12 Mind Blowing Facts About the F-22 Weapons System! #airforce #airshow2024 #fighterjet #aviation

Here are 12 facts about the F-22 Raptor’s weapons:

Internal Weapons Bay: The F-22 has an internal weapons bay to maintain stealth capability, reducing radar cross-section compared to external weapon mounts.

Air-to-Air Missiles: It carries AIM-120 AMRAAM (Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles) for beyond-visual-range engagements and AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles for close combat.

AIM-120 AMRAAM Loadout: The F-22 can carry up to 6 AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles in its main weapons bay for air superiority missions.

AIM-9 Sidewinder Loadout: It carries two AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles in its side weapons bays, which can be quickly deployed for short-range engagements.

M61A2 Vulcan Cannon: The F-22 is equipped with a 20mm M61A2 Vulcan rotary cannon, which is concealed inside the aircraft and has a capacity of 480 rounds.

Stealth Firing Mechanism: When firing air-to-air missiles, the F-22's doors open just long enough to launch the weapon, minimizing radar signature exposure.

Ground Attack Capability: The F-22 can carry two 1,000 lb Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs) for precision ground strikes in addition to air-to-air armament.

External Hardpoints: Although it primarily uses internal bays, the F-22 has the capability to carry external weapons and fuel tanks on four under-wing hardpoints, sacrificing stealth when required.

Advanced Targeting System: The Raptor’s radar and sensors provide superior target detection and engagement capabilities, enabling weapons to be deployed with great precision.

Missile Ejectors: The F-22 uses pneumatic systems to eject missiles from its internal bay rapidly, improving launch speed and weapon deployment efficiency.

Future Weapon Integration: The F-22 is designed to potentially integrate future weapons, such as updated air-to-air missiles or directed-energy weapons, through software and hardware modifications.

Supercruise Capability: The F-22's ability to fly at supersonic speeds without afterburners allows it to launch weapons from high speeds and altitudes, enhancing the range and effectiveness of its missiles.