F-22A unofficial nickname?

Anything goes, as long as it is about the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor
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by viper187 » 14 Jun 2020, 16:13

Does the F-22A have an unofficial nickname much like the F-15E 'Mudhen', F-16 'Viper', F/A-18E/F 'Rhino' and F-35 'Panther'?


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by dragracingmaniac » 14 Jun 2020, 23:36

No


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by BDF » 15 Jun 2020, 16:01

Yeah there was a couple when the jet was first introduced, "Death Blossom", "The Rapist" or "Toucan Sam" but none of those stuck (Prob for the better.) Notice how all the jets that get unofficial nicknames are the ones with long official names or have a "II" in them; A-10 Thunderbolt II, F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-35 Lightning II etc. Raptor is short and original, perfect.


Edit to add: Forgot there was a couple other nicknames that never stuck: Pelican and The Boat.
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by tjodalv43 » 15 Jun 2020, 19:19

Like they said, Raptor is Raptor. But something somewhat unique about it is the F-22 is often referred to somewhat humorously as a self aware entity. Like “Raptor will clean up the air picture.” Not THE Raptors. Just Raptor. Ha.

Also no one in the Air Force calls the F-35 the panther.


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by charlielima223 » 16 Jun 2020, 19:34

Really early on when it was the YF-22 it had the nickname of "Lightning"

Besides, the aircraft looks cool and its name sounds cool. Raptor is very fitting in this regard.


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by Fox1 » 18 Jul 2020, 05:09

"Raptor" sounds so bad a$$ that there is no need for an alternative nickname. If only all official aircraft nicknames were so fitting...


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by sferrin » 19 Jul 2020, 13:35

Fox1 wrote:"Raptor" sounds so bad a$$ that there is no need for an alternative nickname. If only all official aircraft nicknames were so fitting...


Like, "Eagle" or "Tomcat"? :wink:
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by sprstdlyscottsmn » 19 Jul 2020, 20:37

sferrin wrote:
Fox1 wrote:"Raptor" sounds so bad a$$ that there is no need for an alternative nickname. If only all official aircraft nicknames were so fitting...


Like, "Eagle" or "Tomcat"? :wink:

You mean Battlestar Galactica and the Turkey?
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by sferrin » 20 Jul 2020, 01:02

sprstdlyscottsmn wrote:
sferrin wrote:
Fox1 wrote:"Raptor" sounds so bad a$$ that there is no need for an alternative nickname. If only all official aircraft nicknames were so fitting...


Like, "Eagle" or "Tomcat"? :wink:

You mean Battlestar Galactica and the Turkey?


Never heard of a pilot calling the F-15 "Battlestar Galactica". Certainly not like the F-16 is referred to as the Viper.
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by sprstdlyscottsmn » 20 Jul 2020, 02:46

sferrin wrote:
Never heard of a pilot calling the F-15 "Battlestar Galactica". Certainly not like the F-16 is referred to as the Viper.

I admit I am unable to find my source right now, so it may be a book that is packed from a recent move. Long story short, I recall reading that back in the late 70s pilots referred to the Eagle as the B.G. due to it's size and overwhelming capability.

I did find the following at http://www.coastcomp.com/av/fltline2/nickname.htm


F-14--Tomcat------------Turkey, Bombcat (bomb capable version), Peeping Tom (equipped w/TARPS), Tomturkey
F-15A/C--Eagle----------Rhodan, Flying Tennis Court, Starship, Ego Jet
F-15E--Strike Eagle------Mudhen, Beagle (Bomb Eagle)
F-16--Fighting Falcon----Lawn Dart*, Viper, Electric Jet
F/A-18--Hornet-----------Plastic Bug, Bug
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