US Air Force F-22 Raptor fighters to improve their combat performance

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The American fifth-generation fighter, the F-22 Raptor, will undergo another upgrade. According to the US Air Force Command, the contract for the relevant work has already been signed.

Last Friday, November 5, 2021, the US Air Force and Lockheed Martin signed a contract to modernize the entire fleet of F-22 Raptor fighters. The agreement implies support for fighters and their modernization for 10 years, the work should be completed by October 31, 2031.



As stated, the US Air Force intends, as part of the modernization, to improve the combat characteristics of the fighter, which is gradually becoming obsolete. Earlier it was reported that within the framework of the new program, the avionics and software will be significantly updated, the airframe and general aircraft systems will be finalized. In addition, the aircraft's radio-absorbing coating will be replaced, which turned out to be overly difficult to operate and did not justify itself.

Note that this will be the second modernization program for the F-22 Raptor. The first was launched in 2006 and lasted 14 years, ending earlier this year. It included structural modifications aimed at increasing the airworthiness of the fighter. In addition, some work was carried out to update the avionics, communication systems, and new software was installed. However, the Air Force admitted that the modernization carried out did not lead to the required result, the aircraft did not receive many of the functions inherent in modern aircraft. In particular, the helmet-mounted target designation system is still not used.

The F-22 Raptor is a fifth generation multi-role fighter designed to replace the fourth generation F-15 Eagle. A total of 187 units were produced between 1997 and 2011. It is the most expensive fighter in the world - $ 146,2 million per unit.
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    1. -3
      7 November 2021 17: 11
      It is the most expensive fighter in the world - $ 146,2 million per unit.

      Taking into account the development - almost 400 apiece. A fighter that never became the main ...
      1. +17
        7 November 2021 17: 20
        The latest modifications of Raphael, Eurofighter, F-15S cost in the region of $ 140-150 million per unit.
        In the 90s, the armies of all countries were reduced. Fleets, squadrons and divisions of the Western armies were written off, rearmament programs were cut, hundreds of companies in the military-industrial complex went bankrupt. The F-22 was still lucky to be produced in the amount of 187 pieces.
        The raptor will serve until the end of the thirties, in the middle of the decade it will begin replacing it with a fighter under the NGAD program.
        1. +4
          7 November 2021 17: 51
          It was that old dollar, which weighed more than the current one, and besides, this is 145 million after all the cost cuts, and so the first copies cost 450 million.
      2. -1
        7 November 2021 17: 49
        Quote: Doccor18
        Taking into account development - almost 400 apiece

        come on
        spent 45 billion on development?
        1. +5
          7 November 2021 17: 59
          With assembly - over 74 yards ...
    2. -3
      7 November 2021 17: 47
      Do not hesitate to modernize ... Although, it seems, and not very successful. Money, money ... modernization is a very profitable action ... how much can you write off for it !!!
    3. -7
      7 November 2021 17: 58
      F22 is the fifth generation? Then, against his background f35, what generation ??
      1. +2
        7 November 2021 18: 00
        Quote: 6erJIblu
        Then, against his background f35, what generation ??

        5 minus ...
        1. 0
          7 November 2021 18: 02
          or then 4 ++)))
      2. +4
        7 November 2021 18: 17
        Quote: 6erJIblu
        F22 is the fifth generation? Then, against his background f35, what generation ??

        F-22 - two engines, F-35 - one. Like our Su-57 and the promising Su-75 ...
        1. -3
          8 November 2021 04: 17
          Does the Su-57 have one engine? Are you sure about that?
      3. -4
        7 November 2021 19: 26
        F-22 - 4 ++
        F-35 - about 4th
      4. SSR
        -5
        7 November 2021 19: 31
        Quote: 6erJIblu
        F22 is the fifth generation? Then, against his background f35, what generation ??

        Iron - 5th generation.
        Ps.
        Despite many problems with F22, it is much, at least prettier than F35.
        1. +1
          8 November 2021 10: 09
          Quote from S.S.R.
          Iron - 5th generation.
          Ps.
          Despite many problems with F22,

          So I read over and over again a mountain of similar comments on this site and am amazed at how many ingenious aircraft designers lie on sofas in Russia! Here are the Yankees, they are stupid, they don't understand anything and can't do anything, but we have talent - just row with a shovel!
          1. SSR
            +2
            8 November 2021 23: 00
            Quote: Letun
            So I read over and over again a mountain of similar comments on this site and am amazed at how many ingenious aircraft designers lie on sofas in Russia!

            It is noticeable, there are many such, even more brilliant thinkers.
            You can no longer express your own opinion.
            Yes, I like the f-22 more than the f-35, and this despite the problems it has.
            What is the problem, is that I did not write a word that the Yankees are stupid?
            You don’t have to credit me with your own emissions.
            1. 0
              9 November 2021 11: 48
              Quote from S.S.R.
              You can no longer express your own opinion.

              Of course you can.
              Can I also? I also expressed mine. Or does it not work like that?
    4. +2
      7 November 2021 18: 07
      f-15 is the best!
    5. -2
      7 November 2021 18: 28
      As a result, after all the ordeals, the Americans will abandon the fu-22 and fu-35 and cheerfully switch to the good old fu-15.
      1. +10
        7 November 2021 20: 06
        - Dreams of all laggards: for the leaders to take, turn around and run backwards! laughing lol
      2. +3
        7 November 2021 23: 11
        So they seem to be buying them already, those that are F-15EX.
        1. -2
          8 November 2021 22: 57
          - Of course they do. In order not to waste the precious resource of fives on bombing the Papuans ... It should be so clear ...
          1. 0
            9 November 2021 09: 18
            Or maybe it finally dawned on the American military that the manufacturer had cheated them with the F-35?
            And when they got it into service, they got a flawed plane instead of a super-superpervunderwafe?
            And they need to fly on something, so they urgently order the F-15EX and F / A-18 block 3. In order to reach the new ones built under the NGAD program.
            1. 0
              9 November 2021 19: 10
              “Your propagandists are cheating you. The Israeli Air Force is now using the F-35 - the pilots can't get enough of it ... You guys, with the F-35 ratings, are fooled like village suckers ...
              1. +1
                9 November 2021 20: 46
                Well, yes, the F-35 is so good that in 5 years since 2015, the Israeli Air Force has attacked 955 targets, on which 4,239 bombs and missiles were used, incl. dozens from F-35I aircraft.
                We read carefully - dozens! Not even hundreds of 4k with a tail from the F-35 aircraft.
                That's how good he is!
                1. 0
                  9 November 2021 23: 04
                  - "Down and Out trouble started..." lol
    6. +2
      7 November 2021 19: 22
      And what does "Glider modified" mean?
      ..
      As far as I understand, within limited limits, the aircraft can change weapons, electronics and internal mechanisms. But the glider ??? The plane is no longer produced.
      1. +1
        7 November 2021 20: 39
        The airframe includes components, assemblies and control mechanisms, everything related to the aircraft's ability to fly and not related to the engine.
        So you can upgrade there indefinitely.
        1. +1
          7 November 2021 23: 23
          That is, in fact, by updating the software, the control mechanisms are also updated. Well, with software, yes, you can update endlessly. All the same, no one will understand what has been updated and whether it has been updated militantly, or has only extended the date of mandatory receipt of the next update.
          1. +1
            7 November 2021 23: 55
            To be honest, I don't know.
            Perhaps this is an article for raising patriotic bonds, and, perhaps, a reflection of a real growing threat from the United States. As a result, let's get into statistics better on the topic of the quantitative advantage and capabilities of the Air Force. Who, where, how much and why can place their own gliders, albeit curves.
    7. -2
      7 November 2021 19: 26
      Now the price will reach 1 billion.
    8. -3
      7 November 2021 19: 49
      They have artificial intelligence, that by themselves
      improve their combat characteristics
      . wassat
    9. +6
      7 November 2021 20: 01
      -
      Quote: 6erJIblu
      F22 is the fifth generation? Then, against his background f35, what generation ??

      - Fifth. Just like against the background of the Su-30SM, the Su-35 is the same 4th. Those who wish can also add "+" ... smile
    10. +3
      7 November 2021 20: 03
      Quote: Troll
      And what does "Glider modified" mean?
      ..
      As far as I understand, within limited limits, the aircraft can change weapons, electronics and internal mechanisms. But the glider ??? The plane is no longer produced.

      - You can endlessly improve RPM - radio absorbing materials.
      1. -1
        8 November 2021 01: 28
        - You can endlessly improve RPM - radio absorbing materials.

        Well, not endlessly. In the end, they will go to the manufacturing processes of the bearing skin (and maybe consoles and fragments of the fuselage as a whole) with already radio-absorbing properties. And if it is more cost-effective or simply better, they will develop a new car already taking into account all the accumulated new products in other (REO, JSC, AB) areas.
        The usual thing. Only here's the trouble. When more than a third of new products accumulate, there is a risk of getting a freak, where everything is fine, except for some novelty. And it's not a fact that you can fix it, it's easier to break it down and over again.
        1. +1
          8 November 2021 14: 36
          Well, not endlessly. In the end, they will go to the manufacturing processes of the bearing skin (and maybe consoles and fragments of the fuselage as a whole) with already radio-absorbing properties.

          - You are late for 30 years! lol The F-22 was manufactured starting from a prototype with a skin entirely of carbon fiber - radio-absorbing just. the same with the F-35 skin - 100% carbon. Radio absorbing. Plus over and above - also RPM.
          And if it is more cost-effective or simply better, they will develop a new car already taking into account all the accumulated new products in other (REO, JSC, AB) areas.
          The usual thing. Only here's the trouble. When more than a third of new products accumulate, there is a risk of getting a freak, where everything is fine, except for some novelty. And it's not a fact that you can fix it, it's easier to break it down and over again.

          - Lord, what nonsense! And give an example ?? lol
          1. -1
            8 November 2021 16: 57
            - Lord, what nonsense! And give an example ??

            Will the F-117 work? In general, take any revolutionary stage in aviation. 45-50 years of turbojet engine, swept wing - you will see a bunch of layouts and schemes that have not gone into series in all countries. 60-70 years - the massive appearance of on-board radars and M = 2, missiles with seeker and variable sweep - again searching and working in the trash can for everyone. ...
            The modern stage began in the 80s with a revolution in electronics - again shuffling and the search for a compromise between EPR, rockets
            and flight characteristics. And while the planes were sculpted, something was able to "rush forward" and ruin the compromise.
            Even the F-35, it would seem, is already full of bumps, the workhorse is out - it is probably starting to displease with something.
            1. +2
              8 November 2021 19: 07
              Will the F-117 work?

              - Is this F-117 - "freak" ?? An epic plane that has brilliantly completed three major local wars!
              In general, take any revolutionary stage in aviation. 45-50 years of turbojet engine, swept wing - you will see a bunch of layouts and schemes that have not gone into series in all countries. 60-70 years - the massive appearance of on-board radars and M = 2, missiles with seeker and variable sweep - again searching and working in the trash can for everyone.

              - There is not a large number of planes that have fallen into the trash can, today they simply do not exist at all - modeling on supercomputers cured this scourge.
              The modern stage began in the 80s with a revolution in electronics - again shuffling and the search for a compromise between EPR, missiles and flight characteristics.

              - WHERE ARE THESE SPECIFIC EXAMPLES?
              Even the F-35, it would seem, are already full of bumps, the workhorse is out - it probably starts to displease something.

              - Striving for the best is endless. This is the law of progress, what is there to complain about? True, in Russia, two in a row have already got into the trash can: Su-47 and Su-57... But what can you do? Maybe the Su-75 will be successful ... request
              1. -1
                9 November 2021 09: 21
                - Is this F-117 - "freak" ?? An epic plane that has brilliantly completed three major local wars!

                Yes, it’s a freak. And three "wars" - so simply tested the idea with a small ESR. There was nothing else, although it was good for something. After all, even without them, these troubles would have done just fine. If he weren't a freak with an exaggeratedly protruding one parameter to the detriment of others, the glider would have been riveted for about 30 years, modernizing only the filling.
                that have fallen into the trash can, today they simply do not exist at all - simulation on supercomputers cured this scourge.

                Tell the modern modern computer designers IL-112. At the same time, think about how the An-26, calculated on slide rule (and originally calculated in general "in a column" and according to graphs) turned out to be better than the squalor created half a century later by computer modeling ..
                And where to put this Il-112 now? As a student with a classmate who has flown in, he is reluctant to marry, and he has no desire to pay alimony.
                1. 0
                  9 November 2021 19: 07
                  Yes, it’s a freak.

                  - Poor fellow ... Eco bombed like a zombie box ... feel
                  And three "wars" - so simply tested the idea with a small ESR. There was nothing else.

                  - "Laughing out loud"! We made stealth and, of course, tested it in combat conditions! "Nothing else was on", at that time he was the only one. laughing
                  At least it was good for something.

                  - Yep: Iraq-91 - 1271 sorties, zero casualties, hit 40% of the most important targets! Yugoslavia - 850 sorties, one loss in 78 days of the war, hit almost all the targets that were intended for him. It was the F-117 and cruise missiles that were the main strike forces there.... Iraq 2003 - a hell of a lot of sorties, zero casualties, all targets hit.
                  Compare: the five-day war between Russia and Georgia: lost 1 Tu-22M3, 1 Su-24M, 6 Su-25... Ah, if only Russia had a dozen F-117s!
                  After all, even without them, these troubles would have done just fine.

                  - HELL NO!
                  If he were not a freak with an exaggeratedly protruding one parameter to the detriment of others, the glider would have been riveted for about 30 years, modernizing only the filling.

                  - Why is Rosaviprom still not producing the I-16 ?! "Upgrading only the filling" ?! The F-117 was retired only in 2008, three years after the F-22 squadron was on combat duty... And in the reserve (in the warehouse) all the F-117s were kept until modern times, and instructors on 4 F-117s fly to this day!
    11. -3
      7 November 2021 20: 26
      The Yankees themselves form the rating and trumpet with might and main about all sorts of parameters, constantly changing them and inventing new ones. In theory, what is stopping us, in addition to the fact that in fact the whole world follows in the wake of the flagship of the world agenda, which determines all indicators from the level of corruption to purchasing power, etc. So they write that the raptor 5ka. Although with its problems of coverage and software, the bird is as if not sawn.
      1. +1
        7 November 2021 20: 38
        // Yankees themselves form the rating and trumpet with might and main about all sorts of parameters, constantly changing them and inventing new ones //
        This is ridiculous and stupid ... So the Yankees came up with it? How do you live there, in a fictional world.
    12. -3
      7 November 2021 23: 29
      laughing
      After “a quarter of a billion” was flopped last year “as a result of washing” ...
      According to the report, the problems for the F-22 pilot began immediately after takeoff - the plane began to fall to the right, trying to make a "barrel". As a result, the pilot was forced to turn off the afterburner of the right left engine and with difficulty regained controllability. But during the climb, the tidy gave a signal of "incorrect" flight data, then the plane began to turn to the right again. It was decided to return to the airfield. At this moment, the avionics began to give out obviously delusional flight parameters - so, the "light" of the overload excess came on. After that, the pilot decided, "Well, nafig him, I'll get out," and pulled the catapult handles.
      The problems there almost worsened - there were two more F-22s and six F-35s in the air, which were trying to locate the crash site of the “quarter of a billion”. At the same time, the F-35 will almost collide
      And the cause of the problem, indicated in the report: "Violation of the transfer of flight data on board the aircraft after it was" washed "! How? - is not reported.
      Probably there was an "unauthorized disconnection" of the data cable, as a result of which part of the flight task data loaded onto the plane was lost (as an option, the pulled out cable was stuck back, but ... upside down! - it happens, sir).
      Even a single loss for the "silver bullets" (tm) of the US Air Force is a serious problem, since there are only 185 F-22s left, of which 125 are in combat. there are only 50-55 F-60 combat-ready - well, very narrowly for the "dog". This is why the Sesheashevites are so unhappy when the F-22 has to be lifted into the air against the "strategists" Tu-22 and Tu-95, "probing" the borders.
    13. -8
      7 November 2021 23: 49
      Soon the F-22 will be delivered to Israel and then ...))
    14. +1
      7 November 2021 23: 50
      The completion date for the improvement of the F-22 is scheduled for 2035. Thus, work on the F-22 will continue for several more years until it is completed. Nothing will happen quickly.
    15. 0
      8 November 2021 00: 44
      After modernization, the price will rise even more. Well, yes, Americans are rich on paint and paper, they will print more green candy wrappers.
      It is the most expensive fighter in the world - $ 146,2 million per unit.
      1. 0
        8 November 2021 14: 44
        And if you keep your savings in rubles, it will be safer! laughing If Nabiulina doesn't come up with something ... lol
    16. -1
      8 November 2021 06: 50
      Upon completion of the new stage of modernization, the aircraft will have reached their end of life and will be decommissioned. There is nothing to say, "prudent" use of resources.
      Although, on the other hand, in this case, the developments will be obtained on the avionics, and on the design, and on the materials
    17. +3
      8 November 2021 14: 42
      Quote: IlgizL
      The Yankees themselves form the rating and trumpet with might and main about all sorts of parameters, constantly changing them and inventing new ones.

      - You made a stupid statement - so back it up right there with the same stupid example from your life ?! wink
      In theory, what is stopping us

      - The leadership of your sunny country is bothering you. Having caught up with the whole world, except for the last scumbags, chopping itself off from Western technologies ...
      ... So they write that the raptor 5ka.

      - Raptor 5 - since 2005, when the first squadron of F-22 took up combat duty.
      Although with its problems of coverage and software, the bird is as if not sawn.

      - RPM F-22 periodically refurbished. But the Su-57 (for comparison) has no problems with the coating - since there are no coatings themselves! laughing lol lol
    18. +1
      9 November 2021 02: 16
      Long life for this beautiful aircraft.
    19. 0
      9 November 2021 19: 15
      Quote: Runner2022
      F-22 - 4 ++
      F-35 - about 4th

      The F-22 is the best fighter in world history to date.
      The F-35 is the best drummer in world history to the present.
      Both are naturally 5th generation.
      The Su-57 is a "stillborn child", "a lumpy second pancake" (after the Su-47), not needed by either its Ministry of Defense or its Aerospace Forces. Generation 4+. IMHO: serial production will not be at all and not necessary. A mistake by aircraft designers, congenital incurable genetic diseases ... crying

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