Why doesn't America sell the world's deadliest stealth fighter to other countries (file photo)
Digital Desk, New Delhi. When it comes to the world's most advanced fighter planes, the name of F-22 Raptor comes at the top. It has been designed for air supremacy. This aircraft is equipped with stealth technology, supercruise capability, tremendous speed, state-of-the-art sensors and integrated avionics system.
Its specialty is not only its strength, but it also has the ability to attack without being seen by the enemy. This is the reason why it is considered the backbone of the US Air Force of the 21st century.
Although there is a lot of discussion about its power and technology, there are many facts related to this aircraft which are less known to the common people. Let us understand the whole story of F-22 Raptor in simple words.
Why are F-22s not sold abroad?
America sells its F-35 fighter aircraft to many countries of the world, but F-22 Raptor was not sold to any country. The reason for this is American law. Export of this aircraft is prohibited under law.
America feared that if its stealth technology, radar systems and advanced electronic technology reached any other country, then national security could be in danger. Therefore it was kept only for the US Air Force. This is why the F-22 is one of the few modern fighter planes in the world that is owned by only one country.
its fleet is very small
The F-22 is often compared to the A-10. The A-10 has titanium 'battub' like protection around the pilot. But this is not the case with F-22. About 40 percent of its structure is made of titanium, but its purpose is not to provide bulletproof protection to the pilot, but to increase strength and heat tolerance. Titanium has been used to keep the structure strong during high speeds and high-G turns.
When the pilot got stuck in the cockpit
A strange incident happened in 2006. The canopy of an F-22 did not open and the pilot was trapped inside. The ground crew had to cut the canopy with a chainsaw and rescue the pilot. The aircraft was damaged in this incident and the cost was about 1.8 lakh dollars. After this incident, F-22 flights were limited for some time and technical improvements were made.
Big problem with oxygen system
Between 2008 and 2012, many pilots complained of dizziness and difficulty breathing during flights. These symptoms were like hypoxia, in which the body does not get enough oxygen. Investigation revealed that there was a defect in the oxygen supply system of the plane. This led to some restrictions on training and operations. Technical improvements were later made, but this incident showed that even the most advanced aircraft are not immune to technical problems.
The biggest strength of the F-22 is its 'supercruise' capability. This means it can fly faster than the speed of sound without using afterburner. Most fighter aircraft have to rely on afterburners to reach supersonic speeds, which consumes fuel rapidly. But the F-22 can fly at speeds in excess of Mach 1.5 without burning extra fuel. This increases both its range and strategic advantage.
Record in war practice
The F-22 has performed extremely impressively in combat exercises such as Red Flag. According to reports, its 'kill ratio' in some exercises was as high as 144-0. That is, 144 enemy aircraft were shot down in the combat and not even one of our own. This is the result of its stealth, sensor capability and agility, due to which the enemy does not get a chance to react.
The main objective of F-22 is to establish air supremacy. It can perform both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. It is an important part of the Global Strike Task Force and is designed to move quickly and respond to the enemy over long distances. It has been designed in such a way that it can pave the way for the US Air Force, Army, Navy and Marine Corps.
What else are the features?
Several programs are underway to improve the reliability and maintainability of the F-22. A 10-year contract named FASTeR III will be in place for its maintenance from 2028 to 2037. Under the modernization program, new digital technology and open system architecture is being added to it.
Why is F-22 special?
The F-22 Raptor is not just a fighter aircraft, but a symbol of technological superiority. Its stealth capability, supercruise, advanced sensors and lethal weapons make it one of the most dangerous aircraft in the world. Although its numbers are small and the cost remains high, the capabilities it provides are unparalleled.
More than 30 years later and 5 lakh flight hours later, the F-22 remains a vital pillar of the US Air Force. It is also constantly upgrading itself for the future digital warfare.
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