Regarded as a renowned fighter aircraft and a technological marvel in the battlefield, the Lockheed Martin F22 Raptor fighter jet is anticipated to receive continuous support and upgrades until 2031, with its lifespan projected to reach the 2060s.
Due to its outstanding capabilities, the military forces are unwilling to retire this aircraft and will keep it on the frontline for several more years. Unlike prior fighter designs, the F-22A emphasizes more on making the aircraft challenging to detect, which is achieved by making the aircraft more resistant to radar detection, such as by using S-shaped radar absorbers on the air intakes.
While stealth aircraft in the past have had problems with material placement due to the radar-absorbing materials and coatings, the F-22’s unique coating absorbs radar waves and allows it to be serviced in conventional hangars without requiring air-conditioned ones.
The F-22’s stealth capability, however, requires frequent maintenance due to its stealth coating being prone to peeling off in harsh climates or high-speed flights. In addition, the F-22 possesses a warning system called the “Signature Assessment System” that alerts when damage occurs and the aircraft’s radar signal.
The F22’s specifications and future upgrades will be examined in the video to see what makes it so extraordinary and how it can be made more viable in the next 40 years. Recent updates have further improved the F22 Raptor, making it even more exceptional than before.