How the F-22 Raptor is Getting a Massive Upgrade to Stay Ahead of the Competition
The F-22 Raptor is the crown jewel of the U.S. Air Force’s fighter fleet. It is a fifth-generation stealth fighter jet that combines speed, agility, stealth, and firepower to achieve air superiority over any adversary. Since its introduction in 2005, the F-22 has been the best fighter in the world, unmatched by any other aircraft in terms of performance and capabilities. However, the F-22 is not resting on its laurels. It is facing increasing challenges from potential adversaries, such as China and Russia, who are developing their own advanced fighters and air defense systems. To counter these threats, the F-22 is getting a massive upgrade to stay deadly for years to come, as part of the Advanced Raptor Enhancement and Sustainment (ARES) program, which was awarded to Lockheed Martin in November 2021.
The ARES program is a comprehensive modernization effort that will enhance the F-22’s survivability, lethality, and effectiveness in the future battlespace. Some of the main features of the ARES program are:
- New stealthy external fuel tanks that will increase the F-22’s range and endurance, allowing it to operate in more contested environments and conduct longer missions. The new tanks will have a low radar cross-section and will be able to detach from the aircraft in case of a threat.
- New underwing pods that will enhance the F-22’s electronic warfare (EW) and infrared search and track (IRST) capabilities, giving it an edge over enemy aircraft and missiles. The EW pod will provide jamming, deception, and suppression of enemy radars and communications, while the IRST pod will provide passive detection and tracking of heat-emitting targets, such as stealth aircraft and cruise missiles.
- A new unknown air-to-air missile that will replace the AIM-120 AMRAAM, which is becoming obsolete against modern threats. The new missile is speculated to be either the AIM-260 JATM or the SACM, both of which are designed to have longer range, greater maneuverability, and higher survivability than the AMRAAM. The new missile will also have a two-way data link that will enable the F-22 to share targeting information with other platforms and update the missile’s guidance in flight23
- Other upgrades to the F-22’s avionics, sensors, communications, and software, which will improve its situational awareness, interoperability, and performance. These upgrades include a new radar processor, a new central integrated processor, a new mission computer, a new communications suite, a new helmet-mounted display, and a new operational flight program.
The ARES program is not only aimed at improving the F-22’s current capabilities, but also at preparing it for the future. The F-22 is closely linked to the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program, which is developing a new family of air superiority systems, including a sixth-generation fighter jet. The NGAD program is expected to field the new fighter aircraft in the 2030s, and the F-22 will serve as a bridge until then. Some of the technologies and lessons learned from the F-22 will be transferred to the NGAD, such as stealth, supercruise, thrust vectoring, and network-centric warfare.
In conclusion, the F-22 is still the most advanced and capable fighter in the world, and the ARES program will ensure that it remains so for the foreseeable future. The ARES program will enhance the F-22’s survivability, lethality, and effectiveness in the future battlespace, and will prepare it for the transition to the NGAD program. The F-22 is a vital asset for the U.S. and its allies, and it will continue to dominate the skies and deter potential adversaries. The F-22 is not only the best fighter in the world, but also the best fighter for the world.
