Forum: General F-22A Raptor forum

Anyone know if they are gonna make a two-seater variant of the Raptor for training etc like they did when they made F-15B/D's, or is only the single-seat version goin to be built? Thanks!

F-16.net Sponsor

I think that it would probably be unlikey. With the very high price tag the Raptor carries, I doubt that the USAF will want to buy any training versions. Yet, a two seat version would be very cool to see.

Originally an F-22B two-seater was planned, but it was cut due to costs. If the "FB-22" ever gets made, it'll likely be a two-seater, though.

There won't be a two seat Raptor. The budget is threatening the Raptor program as is, and it just won't allow for a two seat version of the jet. Besides, the only pilots being accepted for Raptor training right now are already experienced pilots in other fighter airframes, so they really don't need cockpit time with an IP like a nugget does. Also, the simulator phase of training allows for pilots to fly entire profiles from startup to shutdown several times before the pilot even gets into the real thing, so once again, the "sedan model" is really not necessary. So, sorry to dash anyone's hopes, but there won't be a B model.

Beers and MiGs were made to be pounded!

Vic_ViperT301 wrote:

I think thats why the Air force has made the F/A-18 Superhornet though because its a two seater like the F-15 Eagle.

(I've been waitin' to use this one....) WTF

Actually they are just now starting to add slots for pilot training graduates...albeit like 1 slot but it's a sign

I'm at the Raptor training base. No nuggets in Raptor training right now. The Butter Bars (Ugh!) won't come until late next year, but it might be later than that.

In my previous post, I stated the reasons for no B model. The sim phase of the course is so extensive (and by all reports, REALISTIC) that you've already "flown" the Raptor for a long time before you ever actually step in the cockpit.

Plus, we're at the point that we won't get the allotted budget for any B models.

However, there are a lot of rumors and propaganda right now with the Raptor program. We don't even have an operational ACC unit yet. Langley is forming their unit as we speak, but they're a long time off.

Beers and MiGs were made to be pounded!

It's not necessarily that we CAN'T build one, it's just that we have too many people on Capitol Hill that think we don't need the single seat variety, much less a two seater.

The 2 seater won't happen. $130 mil a copy is a little PRICEY in some people's eyes...read that, politicians.

Beers and MiGs were made to be pounded!

TC, correct me if I'm wrong here, but didn't the BONE cost about $100 million a copy when it was built Shocked

? I'm a big Raptor fan myself, but I have to say that I understand the sitcker shock. I used to sell Chevys and the Raptor's sticker shock is worse than the Corvette's Laughing

!

Given the role of the Raptor and the technologies it incorporates, I don't think a two seater is essential. We've had a couple of planes without trainer versions over the years and we've been OK. There was the Tomcat (RIP Crying or Very sad

)and the F-117 (OK, a few mishaps with new pilots, but those were also attributable to fatigue and flying around a featureless desert at night) and both programs turned out OK. I just wish there was a way the crew chiefs (and me in my dreams) could get an incentive ride Very Happy

!

And if you can convince Diane Feinstein, Barbara Boxer, Hillary Clinton, John Kerry, Ted Kennedy, and a few more Capitol Hill bozos of that logic, we might have something going.

You're preaching to the choir in this situation. I really wish we could get a B model Raptor. I wish I could get a few rides in one. I wish I could have a Mickey Light right now. I wish...ok...I'm a little off-track here. Where was I? Oh yeah...

Beers and MiGs were made to be pounded!

Quote:

You're preaching to the choir in this situation. I really wish we could get a B model Raptor.

Why the hell do you want a B-model, the use for it is for training, and that ain't gonna happen because of cost!

Forum: General F-22A Raptor forum

F-22 two-seater