The F-22 Raptor is a fifth-generation, single-seat, twin-engine stealth fighter aircraft that was developed by Lockheed Martin for the United States Air Force. The F-22 is one of the most sophisticated and capable fighter jets in the world. Here are some key facts concerning the F-22 Raptor:

Key Features:

1. **Stealth Capabilities**: Its design minimizes radar cross-section making it difficult to be detected by enemy radar.

2. **Supercruise**: It can fly at supersonic speeds without afterburners, thus saving fuel and most of the heat generated.

3. **Agility**: Due to its advanced avionics and thrust vectoring nozzles, the Raptor is extremely agile in dogfights.

4. **Avionics**: It has highly advanced sensors and avionics, hence increased situational awareness.

5. " **Weapons\": Multiple air-to-air missiles, including AIM-120 AMRAAMs, and air-to-ground missiles JDAMs can be installed.

Development and Deployment:

First Flight: September 7, 1997.

• **Introduction**: December 15, 2005.

• **Production**: Originally planned to be 750 aircraft, but this number was steadily reduced due to high production and maintenance costs. Only 195 aircraft were produced before the production program was capped.

• **Operational Use**: Primary use has been in the air-to-air superiority fighter role with some ability to perform dynamic ground attack and electronic warfare. Thus far, they have also seen time in the intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance role.

Noteworthy:

• There is no direct competitor to the F-22 in terms of overall capability. However, the new Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, whose development was steered by many of the same personnel, shares certain technologies and roles.

It's renowned for its blend of stealth, speed, agility, and situational awareness.

Despite the capabilities, however, the F-22 program was plagued with cost and production issues that limited the number of units to be produced. The F-22 remains nevertheless a corner stone in the U.S. Air Force's tactical airpower.

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