The F-22 Raptor Facts: 30 Things to Know

The Raptor Stealth Factor is Incognito but Not Invisible

A Tyndall F-22 Raptor is ready to taxi and take off during Red Flag 16-1, Jan. 26 at Nellis AFB, Nev. Tyndall’s F-22 Raptors bring a lot to the exercise as the jet’s stealth capabilities, advanced avionics, communication and sensory capabilities help augment the capabilities of the other aircraft.

Of all the F-22 facts, the F-22’s stealth was a key feature in its design. Developers were eager to figure out a way for the aircraft to go largely undetected on enemy radar. By incorporating numerous curves into the design of the air frame, radar beams are bounced off in all directions instead of back to the radar source. Furthermore, because the main wings and the rear wings exactly line up, it also appears much smaller on radars. The result is a blip on the radar about the size of a bumblebee. Small, yes, but not invisible by any means. As of recent, China has claimed to be able to track the F-22 on radar fairly easily. Whether or not its true remains to be seen but as radar technology becomes more sophisticated, improvements will have be made to protect these expensive jets.