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The Air Force Has a Plan to Make Sure the F-22 Raptor Fighter Still Dominates
National Security Journal ^ | 9/24/2024 | Brent M. Eastwood

Posted on 09/24/2024 4:38:47 PM PDT by whyilovetexas111

In fact, the F-22 is likely the world’s stealthiest fighter and has a radar cross-section that is many times smaller than the F-35. This is why Air Force watchers often yearn for the sneaky Raptor warbird to be upgraded instead of being retired.

The latest upgrade contract will add to the $7.8 billion in spending by 2030 for the F-22, which includes $3.1 billion for research and development and $4.7 billion in acquisition.

The F-22 Raptor first flew over 26 years ago, so it is looking for enhancements to maintain its freshness and relevance for the next few decades before the NGAD is ready.

(Excerpt) Read more at nationalsecurityjournal.org ...


TOPICS: Government; History; Politics
KEYWORDS: airforce; defense; f22; military; usairforce
I find this interesting as this jet was like $300 million back in the 2000s and Obama killed the program. And yet, we keep upgrading it and it costs more. That's crazy.
1 posted on 09/24/2024 4:38:47 PM PDT by whyilovetexas111
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To: whyilovetexas111
Rainbow cockpit upholstery.

2 posted on 09/24/2024 4:51:07 PM PDT by Governor Dinwiddie
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To: whyilovetexas111

“$3.1 billion for research and development.”

For five guys to sit around and agree that they should just drop a later model engine in it with matching engine management system and go...

Probably take three years for them to do this. In the meantime they will hit up congress two more times because the 3.1 billion was not enough for them to even get this done.


3 posted on 09/24/2024 4:57:02 PM PDT by Openurmind
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4 posted on 09/24/2024 5:12:27 PM PDT by Who is John Galt? ("...mit Pulver und Blei, Die Gedanken sind frei!")
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To: whyilovetexas111

I do not believe the F35 has the range of a F22, nor super cruise or even as low a RCS.

I am taking a guess, but if the B2 even had to fly into hostile territory like the PRC, it would be the F22 providing protection for them.


5 posted on 09/24/2024 5:30:20 PM PDT by Red6
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To: Red6

ever not even


6 posted on 09/24/2024 5:31:04 PM PDT by Red6
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To: whyilovetexas111

Maybe they’ll give it an FMS finally.


7 posted on 09/24/2024 5:34:34 PM PDT by CodeToad (Rule #1: The elites want you dead.)
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To: whyilovetexas111

A rainbow colored rabbit’s foot in the cockpit?


8 posted on 09/24/2024 7:02:45 PM PDT by WKUHilltopper
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To: whyilovetexas111

The Pentagon has another plan for a new F-18. The more everything changes, the more a dying empire keeps doing things the same way.

Our education system’s failure has reached critical mass. We no longer produce new ideas. Instead, those with limited knowledge of a single area continue to focus on exacty that area. Our defense industries are now mirroring the inner city with the same problems.

Like Russia in 1991, we need to be destroyed to be renewed.


9 posted on 09/25/2024 4:05:25 AM PDT by Jumper
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