AERO 130 Lockheed Martin / Boeing F-22 Raptor – Fojtík Jakub (2026)

This book examines the American F-22, the first fifth-generation aircraft to enter operational service and still the most capable fighter of its generation in terms of flight performance. Developed as the Cold War was ending, the F-22 programme responded to the highly regarded MiG-29 and Su-27 and their anticipated future upgrades. Since American designers found it increasingly difficult to surpass these aircraft in manoeuvrability and performance, the new aircraft was designed to achieve technological dominance in other areas, particularly stealth. Drawing on experience with the F-117, the fifth-generation concept combined reduced detectability with supersonic flight without afterburner, known as supercruise, high manoeuvrability and advanced integrated avionics. Although the competing YF-22 and YF-23 prototypes first flew after the Soviet communist regime had collapsed, the changed geopolitical situation mainly led to a reduction in the number ordered rather than to lower performance requirements. The YF-22 won the ATF competition and entered production as the F-22 Raptor. Fewer than two hundred aircraft were ordered, and an absolute export ban made the F-22 one of the most expensive aircraft in history on a per-unit basis. With no successor yet, it is expected to remain in service at least until the end of the next decade, when it is to be replaced by an aircraft developed through the NGAD programme, reportedly the Boeing F-47.