Posted on 07/21/2008 4:33:50 PM PDT by bruinbirdman
Crowds were left to marvel at the world's most advanced fighter jet, as the F-22 Raptor made its European debut at the Farnborough Air Show.
Widely considered one of the world's most dangerous weapons, the audience watch in awe as the £71 million Raptor, built by Lockheed Martin, showed off its impressive bag of tricks in a 12-minute display.
The Raptor is capable of hitting speeds of up to 1,500mph, more than twice the speed of sound, and has a range of 2,000 miles.
It comes equipped with a 20mm cannon, six Aim-120 air-to-air missiles and two Aim-9 heat-seeking missiles, which are carried internally, making it the most agile fast jet ever.
The smooth lines of the Raptor help it to evade radar making it ideal for surveillance and intelligence work.
Major Paul Moga of the US Air Force, who flew the plane, said: "It's a privilege. I feel honoured and blessed."
A number of countries have shown interest in buying the F-22 although US Congress would have to change a law that makes it unavailable for export because it is deemed too good at what it does.
The ban was enacted 10 years ago, in an attempt to prevent the spread of US technological expertise, as well as prevent a regional arms race.
The F-22 is active at six US Air Force bases, including Langley Air Force Base in Virginia.
(Excerpt) Read more at telegraph.co.uk ...
Soon to be performing in Iran, too.
don’t tease me...
This is a cool pic I look for an excuse to use. I have a friend who works at the cape, got it from a pilot who was in one of the planes.
Under 5,000 feet - guns only ... a Spit XIc is a better bet!
Thats the space shuttle in the background. I can get a higher res if anyone wants it.
Capt’in she's venting plasma!!
I was talking to a career man in the air force about two months ago. He told me the rumor is that the f22 is the end. No more manned fighter jets after the f22...for the US air force that is.
That’s fine if we think our C&C won’t get knocked out or jammed.
Me, not so confident.
A combination of human and drone seems most wise.
It is a pretty aircraft. Has anyone noticed that good planes always look good too?
Thanks for the Aerogasm!! :-)
You have to be in a pretty exclusive club to get a first person view like this of the Space Shuttle launch.
Yes please.
a most humble, PLEASE! I am not worthy of such a view but there is more than one way to skin a cat. I use a 42 inch dell plasma as my main monitor, it will serve as an awesome background!!
An' as ever'one knows...
If it's NOT Scottish....
LOL, no problem!
As I recall, this cannon was added over loud complaints but I think it was pointed out that the plane would be naked at close range without it.
Paper here (Tri-city Herald) did a story about one of the drivers - a local girl.
Only 138 will be built - demos are cutting them off.
Wow - the best that technology has to offer - is that a shuttle shot?
While the final number is in flux, the USAF will be purchasing over 1000 F-35’s (1763 a couple years ago, maybe fewer now).
The F-35 Lightning, aka JSF, Joint Strike Fighter.
Now, I’m not saying the two planes are equivalent, but there is a manned fighter jet after the F-22. Perhaps that will be the last.
oopsie
Now I’m questioning my memory. I know I was told that one of the current fighter jets is the last all new one to be designed from scratch to be a manned fighter(according to rumor). But now that you mentioned the f35 I can’t remember which one it was...f35 or f22...I give up. I can’t remember. I guess the f35 would be the logical guess since 35 comes after 22.
I’d like to see the high res. Thanks.
F35 is still a question mark regarding the gun in the Naval variants. One small problem. Guess what has become a very popular request by the boots on the ground, lately? Strafe.
I’d be most obliged for a hi-res copy. great pic!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.