F22 Raptor

As a result of the USAF's Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF) programme, the aircraft is designed as an air superiority fighter, but also has ground attack, electronic warfare and signals intelligence capabilities. Prime contractor Lockheed Martin manufactured most of the F-22's airframe and weapons systems and performed final assembly, while Boeing provided the wings, rear fuselage, avionics integration and training systems. F-22 aircraft of the United States Air Force (USAF) are important components of the United States Global Strike Task Force (US-GSTF).

It made its first flight on October 7, 1997, and the first produced F-22 was delivered to its place of duty, Nellis Air Base, on January 17, 2003. Since the F-22 is an aircraft with a very small radar image, it can infiltrate enemy airspace and carry out a leading strike. The F-22 has very high maneuverability.

The F-22 replaced the F-15E Strike Eagle and F-117 Nighthawk.

In air-to-air missions, the F-22 can carry 6 AIM-120C and 2 AIM-9 guided AA missiles. In air-to-ground missions, in addition to 2 AIM-120C and 2 AIM-9, it will be able to carry 2 100lb JDAM ammunition in the hull. It will have the capability of F-117s with GPS-controlled JDAMs.

The F-22's combat construction is "clean", meaning all weapons are carried within the fuselage and there is no payload outside the fuselage. This is an important issue for the F-22's stealth feature because the absence of such loads will reduce air resistance and increase its range. The F-22 has four loading points under the wing, each capable of carrying 5000lb payload.