Two 600 gallon fuel tanks, four missiles: This configuration is used after air dominance in a battle area has been secured, and extra loiter time and firepower is required for Combat Air Patrol (CAP).A BRU-47/A rack is used on each pylon to hold the external tanks. Four 600 gallon fuel tanks, no external weapons: This configuration is used when the aircraft is being ferried and extra range is needed.There are two basic external configurations for the F-22: Either a 600-gallon fuel tank or two LAU-128/A missile launchers can be attached to the bottom of the pylon, depending on the mission. A single pylon design, which features forward and aft sway braces, an aft pivot, electrical connections, and fuel and airĬonnections, is used. The F-22 has four under wing hardpoints, each capable of carrying 5,000 pounds.
This is an important factor in the F-22's stealth characteristics, and it improves the fighter's aerodynamics by dramatically reducing drag, which, in turn, improves the F-22's range. The F-22's combat configuration is "clean", that is, with all armament carried internally and with no external stores. With the Global Positioning System-guided JDAM, the F-22 will have anĪdverse weather capability to supplement the F-117 (and later the Joint Strike Fighter)įor air-to-ground missions after achieving air dominance. Two 1,000 pound-class Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM), two AIM-120C, and two AIM-9 For its air-to-ground role, the F-22 can internally carry Performance and high fuel efficiency at slower speeds as well.įor its primary air-to-air role, the F-22 will carry sixĪIM-120C and two AIM-9 missiles.
Sound for an extended period of time without the high fuelĬonsumption characteristic of aircraft that use afterburners toĪchieve supersonic speeds. The first to provide the ability to fly faster than the speed of Supercruise: Enhances weapons effectiveness allows rapid transit through theīattlespace reduces the enemys time to counter attack Integrated Avionics: Allows F-22 pilots unprecedented awareness of enemyįorces through the fusion of on- and off-board information Stealth: Greatly increases survivability and lethality by denying the enemyĬritical information required to successfully attack the F-22 The F-22 isĬharacterized by a low-observable, highly maneuverable airframe advanced integratedĪvionics and aerodynamic performance allowing supersonic cruise without afterburner. It is designed to penetrate enemy airspaceĪnd achieve a first-look, first-kill capability against multiple targets. The F-22 program is developing the next-generation air superiority fighter for the Airįorce to counter emerging worldwide threats.