[Red Badger]

Whatever happened to the F22?....................

[thackney]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lockheed_Martin_F-22_Raptor#Production_termination

[M Kehoe]

Whatever happened to the F22?...................

Only took two posts, not bad.

Probaby threw away the dies...

5.56mm

[tanknetter]

The F-22 is no longer in production, while the F-15 and F-16 are. Besides being cheaper aircraft in general, more Eagles and Vipers can be bought off the line, even if it means bumping production intended for foreign sales.

The F-15E is a much better strike/interdiction platform than the F-22 in all respects but stealth. The F-16 is a better light strike aircraft than the F-22 in all respects but stealth.

If the F-22 had a weapons bay capable of handling 2000lb class weapons, or the self-designation capabilities conveyed by LANTIRN/LITENING/SNIPER pods, plus better external weapons carriage, it might be a good option in lieu of the F-15E. But that would have to be integrated into the airframe, understanding that it would be at the expense of stealth ...

And so on.

[miliantnutcase]

Can’t afford to order more than the original 200 or so F-22’s. Just like the Seawolf class submarine it was an apex platform that may never be outdone.

[CivilWarBrewing]

Yep. Perhaps F-22 exceeds budget. I think F/A-18E/F's are the way to go. Perhaps a mix of F/A-18's and F-15 Super Eagles are the way to go.

How could anyone NOT love the F/A-18, a timeless thing of beauty?