Skunk-Works: F-22 Raptor Project

The development of the YF-22 Superiority Fighter began in 1981. The program began to actually combat the growing Soviet threat (Cold War) and to also replace the F-15 fighters already in service. Boeing, General Dynamics, Grumman, McDonnell Douglas, Northrop (soon to merge with Grumman, making today's Northrop Grumman) all received the call to draft and design the next age's air superiority stealth fighter.

In 1991, the competition led down to the YF-22 and the YF-23. The government chose the F-22 and the YF-23 was retired to the side of the runway. The F-22 is the first aircraft that can reach speeds of about over 600mph (past the speed of sound) without hitting the afterburners (thrust by fire coming out the back). This is referred to as cruising. The F-22 also has a weapons bay that opens and drops missiles and/or bombs from the interior of the plane. The aircraft features GPS systems, the most advanced radar in the world, and a low profile like the B-2 and F-117 Stealth Bombers. By the design and purpose, we can see that this is another production of Skunk Works, an ex team of designers and engineers who originally came up with the concept of bouncing off the sonar with an angled fuselage combined with a special coat of material that would aid in cloaking the craft from fire.

The F-22 program was all but lost a few years ago until now the government is continuing to produce more of them. As of 2004 the F-22 has entered service, however not yet fully. Plans are still being made to produce more, and to create a variant called the F/B-22, a bomber version with swept back wings for higher speed for bombing runs. The F-22 is so advanced, that it can not only hover briefly, but also lift upwards, drop downwards (with thrust) and do 180-270 degree turns while flipping upside down and maintaining lift (no stall). This plane is sick, and suprisingly the technology allows the pilot to do some sick maneuvers. The F-22 is slated to replace the F-15, then the F-18 (A,B,C,D,E and Superhornet) to replace the aging, but still blatantly effective F-14 Tomcat.

Take a look at the video, this is the next step in fighter evolution. Once we can figure out how to remove pilots out of the aircraft, drones will take their place and will be able to pull such maneuvers that would make the human body explode.

information written with help from http://www.f22fighter.com/ thanks!