Lockheed F/A-22 wins approval for full-rate output

Reuters ^ | Apr 1, 2005

[Paleo Conservative]

Is that a real picture of the FB- 22 ? or just a modified picture ?

Are you serious? The F/A-22 prototypes are actual flying. The F/B-22 is just an artists rendering, because at this point it is just a concept.

[Paleo Conservative]

It looks like they can still use the nose section on the F 22 for the FB - 22 to save development cost for the FB - 22.

That's pretty much the whole point. The USAF is talking about buying just 50 or so of the F/B-22. It would be very hard to justify 50 planes that are designed from the ground up. A 50 plane derivative is enouogh to be worthwhile while being profitable for the manufacturer.

[Prophet in the wilderness]

The F - 22 pilot can see his adversaries at least ( correct me if I am wrong ) 250 miles away, and can see his adversaries before they can see him, and launch weapons from 250 miles away ( launch and forget , on to the next target ) and they will never know what hit them.
Even though the F - 22 is very capable of a dog fight, it is not necessary with the F - 22 because the pilot ( hopefully ) will be able to take out his adversaries before there is a need for a dogfight.

[Prophet in the wilderness]

ouch..... that would hurt.... lol.

[Prophet in the wilderness]

I meant the picture of the FB - 22.
Then again,, never mind, lol... the FB - 22 is not even in production ( officially... that is .... one can only guess .. right ? ).

[FoxInSocks]

YF-23

[donmeaker]

The F-22 was superior in low speed maneuver, and projected cost.

The F-23 was superior in range, RCS, Speed, payload, and high altitude maneuver.

At high speed, you are G limited, and rather small wings are adequate for more turn rate than you can stand.

[brooklin]

I doubt that they will do the FB-22, too much money ... look at the F-16xl, great plane, but not worth the effort.
The plane that I think stands a chance of not going anywhere is the F-35. Probably get a few, and then as air superiority is achieved, switch to A-10s. The F-35 can't carry alot as is.

[USNBandit]

The F-35 is planned to be a low observable the first couple days of the war while SAMs and bandits are a factor. Once air superiority is achieved you add external pylons and turn it into a bomb truck. STOVL versions will still be limited in payload, but CTOL variants shouldn't be.