F-22 Database and photo thread

[wrightwing]

Absolute masterpiece of engineering.

No compromise designs like this are really something to behold. The engineers really created something special, even today all these years later. The more you learn about it, the more astounded you are... and we are told what we see are the least impressive parts of the jet.

Hard to believe it first flew 30 years ago. Or that it might be flying 30 years from today..

The first F-22 flight was in 1997 (23 years ago). There's not much question about whether it'll be flying in 30 years.

[Scorpion1alpha]

The 2021 schedule for he F-22 Demo Team:


Cabo remaining sharp off season.





In Anderson AFB, Guam, F-22s from the 94th FS refueling from fuel bladder bags carried by C-130Js during DFE November 2020.





Meanwhile at Eglin AFB, 4th Quarter weapons load competition by the 325th AMU, December 2020. Objective was which team could load AMRAAMs and GBU-32 JDAMS onto the jet the quickest with the least amount of procedural errors.

[mixelflick]

Absolute masterpiece of engineering.

No compromise designs like this are really something to behold. The engineers really created something special, even today all these years later. The more you learn about it, the more astounded you are... and we are told what we see are the least impressive parts of the jet.

Hard to believe it first flew 30 years ago. Or that it might be flying 30 years from today..

The first F-22 flight was in 1997 (23 years ago). There's not much question about whether it'll be flying in 30 years.

I was referring to the YF-22, not the F-22a production bird. Anyway, looks like we (MA) got left off the F-22 demo schedule (again)... And we're not on the F-35A demo team schedule either .

[Scorpion1alpha]

Hope everyone had a good Christmas and a good New Years celebration. Maybe some of you got one of these huge inflatable F-22 model you can put in you backyard just to show people you have one, or fool the occasional spy satellite when it orbits over your home?

USAF: "Hey did we lose an F-22 somewhere? There's one at this guy's house!"

But of course, there's nothing like the real thing.



More than 300 personnel from Langley supporting the 94th FS's rapid deployment to the Indo-Pacific Command AOR returned back to Langley just before Christmas to be with family. They were all over the Pacific area during their deployment.

[mixelflick]

F-22 blow up dolls.

Cool

[Scorpion1alpha]

A month ago, F-22 IPs from the 325th FW participated in WSEP over the Eastern Gulf of Mexico ranges.

The beast is ready.

Taking a walk with Great Grandpa.

[charlielima223]

A design that is over 20years old and it still top of the line in many aspects. Looking at the shape of the canopy, I hope they get a helmet mounted system sometime in the near future.

[wrightwing]

A design that is over 20years old and it still top of the line in many aspects. Looking at the shape of the canopy, I hope they get a helmet mounted system sometime in the near future.

Can't wait to see the MLU updates when they're finally integrated.

[disconnectedradical]

A design that is over 20years old and it still top of the line in many aspects. Looking at the shape of the canopy, I hope they get a helmet mounted system sometime in the near future.

Problem was a JHMCS is a bolt on system that bulges out from the helmet quite a bit. A more compact system like the JHMCS II or a system integrated into the helmet may work. HMD-lite, maybe.

[Scorpion1alpha]

A common sight you'll see when fighting the F-22. Check 6.


OT jets ramping up operations at Nellis January 2021.




Hawaiian F-22 with two "Super" Hornets heading towards the USS Theodore Roosevelt for a flyover.


F-22 Demo Team did a show for new USAF pilots graduating class 21-04 at Columbus AFB this past week.

[mixelflick]

Never get tired of these pics, its a beautiful bird.

I wonder though, how they're going to figure into the mix all the way out to 2060? Assuming a decent PCA production run, maybe then they'll be sold to Israel? Should still be competitive, especially with Israeli mods/pilots. Would certainly give Israel something nobody else in the neighborhood has...

[charlielima223]

More amazing pictures

Here is a cool picture of the first F-22 over Edwards


She is beautiful, elegant, and yet so mysterious and deadly


Who is this Rainbow Dash you speak of?

I wonder though, how they're going to figure into the mix all the way out to 2060? Assuming a decent PCA production run, maybe then they'll be sold to Israel? Should still be competitive, especially with Israeli mods/pilots. Would certainly give Israel something nobody else in the neighborhood has...

I think the F-22 will go the way of the F-14. All parts and special machining will be destroyed. The one that survive on display will be gutted with a simulated cockpit. I dont think anyone will get the F-22.

[mixelflick]

You know, you might be right.

And if so, what a statement as to the capabilities of the aircraft. Really says something when a country goes to those lengths to keep that kind of tech out of the wrong hands. Hard to picture it in another 40 years, but quite possible. I hope I'm still around to see it fly off into the sunset...

[Scorpion1alpha]

The beast at rest.


A shot of FF 180.


Alaskan F-22s that participated at last year's Talisman Sabre.

[Scorpion1alpha]

Bulldogs taking off at Nellis for Red Flag 21-1 (January 2021).







Dicemen jet during late last year's Polar Force.