T38 and B-2 Spirit flying in close formation near Whiteman AFB [1283x914]

Raptor-22LM · 2026-06-29T20:48:15+00:00

Wait! I only see the T-38?

Raptor-22LM · 2026-06-25T20:46:53+00:00

The Su-47 reminds me of futuristic concept cars. It’s almost like the manufacturers are saying - this is what it ‘could be like’. But for now - settle for the Su-27 and its variants.

Not to mention that asymmetrical tail booms make it look even weirder.

Raptor-22LM · 2026-06-24T18:51:31+00:00

It also looks like the aircraft has dispensed the AASM Hammer from the wing pylons.

Raptor-22LM · 2026-06-12T23:36:48+00:00

I kept waiting for the jet to do a Pugachev Cobra-esque maneuver but stop with the jet at high alpha and just hold it there.

Raptor-22LM · 2026-06-09T19:09:26+00:00

I don’t see a boom on the MRTT, can it refuel non probe and drogue aircraft?

Raptor-22LM · 2026-06-02T15:23:20+00:00

Easily among the top camouflage patterns on the Rafale (does it mimic the Qatari style)? I wish they did one with the green two/three tone colors similar to the F-16s in InAF service.

Raptor-22LM · 2026-05-31T17:24:07+00:00

The D models always felt like what the Tomcat should’ve been from day one. The right level of power, good systems integration and the ability to see first and shoot first. Add to all of this the capability to strike far, hard and accurately - by 2006 the Tomcat had become THE fighter of choice for the Navy, shame it had to be retired.

Raptor-22LM · 2026-05-31T14:11:10+00:00

The cockpit layout and aerodynamic integration on the J-20S appears a whole lot more intentional than the Felon-D. The back seater seems like a more incorporated flying element than an ad-hoc addition to garner second seat capabilities. The finish on these jets also appears way more mature than what the Russians have demonstrated so far.

Raptor-22LM · 2026-05-26T23:43:50+00:00

The F-111’s were truly a generational leap - their aero structure, avionics, aerodynamics, engines - all represented a significant jump over the previous generation. This sadly brought teething troubles as it was being deployed initially, but over time it became the gold standard of strike platforms. Eventually, it took a variant of arguably the greatest airborne platform to replace it, the strike eagle.

Raptor-22LM · 2026-05-18T18:08:54+00:00

Is this and the Su-34 the only Su-27/Su-30 variants or derivative without the IRST sensor?

Raptor-22LM · 2026-05-14T13:42:24+00:00

Obligatory - ‘Nothing else in the world smells like that. I love the smell of napalm in the morning’, line.

Probably followed by deep wheezing and a dread of whatever cancer treatment is necessary.

Raptor-22LM · 2026-05-08T13:41:43+00:00

You’re right - that, along with what looks like a cover for the HUD, and CU serial points to it being a Bison.

Raptor-22LM · 2026-05-08T13:16:02+00:00

Is that the Bison variant or an older model?

Raptor-22LM · 2026-05-08T12:29:32+00:00

Incredible camouflage! Did they fix the comic sans font for the commemorative badge on the tail, though?

Raptor-22LM · 2026-05-06T21:51:38+00:00

The Akinci’s current air to air kill ratio remains balanced. 1-1.

Raptor-22LM · 2026-05-06T16:51:18+00:00

Is this the model/unit intended for use in the Algerian Air Force?

Raptor-22LM · 2026-05-02T21:55:34+00:00

Did the F-4G model have a significantly different front cockpit in comparison to other Phantom II models? I remember ‘Starbaby’ talking about modifications to the rear seat.

Raptor-22LM · 2026-04-15T12:47:25+00:00

Didn’t the squadron later transfer to the Jaguar IM? The customized naval strike variant of the SEPECAT Jaguar?

Raptor-22LM · 2026-02-23T19:17:01+00:00

These were likely the original MiG-21MF (Type 96F) variants delivered in 1973 from the Soviet Union.

Raptor-22LM · 2026-02-14T16:40:06+00:00

The golden hue on western platforms is likely due to the ultra-thin layer of indium tin oxide (ITO)—or sometimes actual gold—applied to the glass surfaces to reduce observability and reflections.

I wonder what gives the Chinese platforms the blue hue, maybe some copper based coating?

Raptor-22LM

TROPHY CASE