Forum: General F-22A Raptor forum

Let's say the T-50 becomes operational at that time. Questions:

- In general, how much more eveloved is the Raptor +5 years from now?
- Engines... will P&W be able to pull out 40,000lbs/thrust each?
- Avionics, how much more capable?
- Weapons - how much will the AIM-120D/9x add to the lethality?

Curious as to your perspective...

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mixelflick wrote:

- In general, how much more eveloved is the Raptor +5 years from now?
- Engines... will P&W be able to pull out 40,000lbs/thrust each?
- Avionics, how much more capable?
- Weapons - how much will the AIM-120D/9x add to the lethality?

Simple answer: it's all about money, nothing else matters here . If there will be an urgent need and money to upgrade F-22 propulsion or avionics, I see no big problems in future upgrades.

Considering engine upgrades who knows, maybe F119s as they currently exist can produce 40k lbs of static, uninstalled thrust?

Regarding AIM-120/9x - at first (and maybe to the end) not all F-22s will be able to use them due to three different configurations, more to read here:
http://www.examiner.com/x-5411-Military ... ors-talons

Unfortunately I suppose that current US government isn't very eager to uprgade F-22s as the JSF is an apple of their eyes.

Regards

Very helpful.. thank you!

For the love of God, can they please throw a damn HMD in the airplane to make complete use of the AIM-9X and off-boresight capabilities?

mongo wrote:

For the love of God, can they please throw a damn HMD in the airplane to make complete use of the AIM-9X and off-boresight capabilities?

They don't need the HMD to take advantage of the AIM-9X's HOBS capability. The MLD's are being upgraded to provide DAS-like capabilities in terms of defensive IRST against fighters, as well as incoming missiles. These sensors will be able to cue the missile for HOBS shots.

mongo wrote:

For the love of God, can they please throw a damn HMD in the airplane to make complete use of the AIM-9X and off-boresight capabilities?

There is a large portion of the Raptor fleet that can't even carry 9X's. The side weapons bays are to short.

WHAT??? I think you are mistaken, it's only 6 inches longer than the L/M.

Nope not mistaken

Source?

Lockheed Martin field service reps

Highly doubtful.

While it is not certified for Blk 3.1, the 9x was designed to fit in the F-22 and will be part of Inc 3.2 (along with the 120D.)

The big question is how many jets will get 3.2 (either a full upgrade, or just partial upgrades).

I guess our FSRs are full of sh*t then

They should do the 3.2 upgrade to the entire fleet of Raptors. If these are the premier fighters of the USAF, funds should be allocated to keep them in their praised status.

mongo wrote:

They should do the 3.2 upgrade to the entire fleet of Raptors. If these are the premier fighters of the USAF, funds should be allocated to keep them in their praised status.

The earliest Blocks will be used only in training squadrons, so they don't need the full upgrades, as that would be cost prohibitive.

Hello

wrightwing wrote:

The earliest Blocks will be used only in training squadrons, so they don't need the full upgrades, as that would be cost prohibitive.

Well, the problem may come from the number: there are currently 34 early Block 20 Raptors.

Does using almost 1/5 of the entire F-22 fleet only in training purposes and leaving it without any upgrades (like Increment 3.1) is right choice?

IMHO only small number of F-22 should be left only for training squadrons.

Regards

Forum: General F-22A Raptor forum

F-22 in 2015