The F-22 Raptor Facts: 30 Things to Know

F-22 Facts – Weaponry is Located Within The Aircraft

Tech. Sgt. Glenn Lesher performs preflight launch checks on F-22 Raptor 11. The "OT" on the tail designates the Raptor as an operational test vehicle. An April 29, 2004, mission tested two Raptors for the first time in the sky over Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. Sergeant Lesher is a 31st Test and Evaluation Squadron crew chief.

The F-22 Raptor’s primary weapons are air-to-air missiles, but it does have other possible weapons configurations depending on the mission of the aircraft. The design of the weapons bay is “clean” meaning that everything is carried within the aircraft rather than stored externally. This configuration was important in maintaining the F-22s stealthy reputation by reducing drag and improving range. The main armament, which would be an AMRAAM for air-to-air missions or a JDAM for air-to-ground missions, is carried underneath on the Vertical Eject Launcher known as AVEL, and the entire launching process takes mere seconds to complete.

The Raptor is also capable of carrying up to 5,000 pounds on its underwing hardpoints. For ferry flights, these hardpoints would normally carry four 600-gallon fuel tanks for extra range. When fuel tanks and extra weaponry are needed, the F-22 can be loaded with two fuel tanks and four missiles under the wings.