F-22 2019, the best year yet?

mixelflick · by **mixelflick** » 23 Dec 2018, 18:21

So if I'm not mistaken, the AIM-9x block 2 and AIM-120D will be integrated. That and from what I can gather, more "classified" avionics upgrades. Still no helmet mounted sight, but one article I read say LM is working on a visor display ala the F-35, vs. modified scorpion sight.

Obviously, nobody can comment on what's classified. But the newer 9x and AIM-120D will clearly give the Raptor claws with a much greater reach. Even near BVR for the 9x, so 8 BVR AAM's in total. I wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of this thing, this thing I can't see lol.

Also, weren't there plans to bring at least some of the block 20 jets used primarily for training up to a combat coded standard? Think that would bring the combat coded birds from 120 or so closer to 150??

wrightwing · by **wrightwing** » 23 Dec 2018, 20:23

The -9X Block 2 and -120D are 3.2B upgrades. The F-22 is also currently undergoing an MLU, which includes new computers, new sensors, new displays, more AI, HMD, new EW/EA capabilities, etc....

mixelflick · by **mixelflick** » 24 Dec 2018, 14:10

wrightwing wrote:The -9X Block 2 and -120D are 3.2B upgrades. The F-22 is also currently undergoing an MLU, which includes new computers, new sensors, new displays, more AI, HMD, new EW/EA capabilities, etc....

This is good. Very good...

Demonstrates the F-22 is getting the funding it needs to stay ahead of the threat (primarily J-20, as I don't see the PAK FA/Sukhoi SU-57 as a real, operational aircraft). I doubt the USAF does either, at least until such time as they have more than.. 12.

I'd think the "new EW/EA" capabilities are the most important, perhaps even moreso than the AIM-120D/9x. Let's just hope they bring the number of combat capable airframes up to around the 150 mark!

charlielima223 · by **charlielima223** » 14 Jan 2019, 00:55

updated NVM