Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor

Mystery Spotter 🇺🇸

16 Jun 2026 · © Old man

Taking off

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Comments (1)

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Central NC airways · 16 Jun 2026

Excellent!

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Aircraft

F-22 Raptor F22

Standard USAF low-visibility paint scheme (gray)

Airline

US Air Force

USAF

Manufacturer

Lockheed Martin

Achievements

Rare Bird, Military Maverick

2 badges earned

Photo grade

Bronze

Score: 77.0

Great midair capture; monochrome treatment adds drama, but heavy letterboxing limits impact and detail.

Location

FSM Airport

Fort Smith Regional Airport · FSM/KFSM

35.3247, -94.3810

Open map

Fort Smith Regional Airport FSM

Airport

Insights

Aviation History

The F-22 Raptor is the world\'s first operational fifth-generation stealth air superiority fighter, with cutting-edge sensors and supercruise ability. Only operated by the USAF.

Fleet Rarity

One of only about 183 production airframes — and the only fifth-generation air superiority fighter in operational Western service for many years.

Record Flights

Known for demonstration flights and rapid intercepts — not used for commercial record flights.

Safety & Events

Several nonfatal incidents; entire fleet periodically grounded due to oxygen system issues in the 2010s.

Future Outlook

Still in active service with the USAF; planned to be replaced in the 2030s by NGAD.

Specifications

Pratt & Whitney F119-PW-100

Engine

13.56 m

Wingspan

18.92 m

Length

2,960 km (ferry range)

Range

1,960 km/h (Mach 1.8 )

Speed

1 (pilot)

Capacity

38,000 kg

MTOW

5.08 m

Height

156 kN (35,000 lbf) per engine (afterburner)

Thrust

Classified/military (not per ICAO civil standard)

Noise