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The F-22 Raptor Facts: 30 Things to Know

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Bomb Shaped Insignia’s Are Placed on F-22 After Successful Combat Sorties

F-222 cockpit close up, F-22 facts
Maj. Michael Hoepfner completes his checkout flight in Raptor No. 18.
Lisa Carroll, U.S. Air Force

In May of 2016, a F-22 from the 95th Fighter Squadron was photographed at RAF Lakenheath in the UK with some peculiar markings just below the canopy. The markings typically represent the bombs or kills the plane has inflicted and they are actually a quite well-known tradition in the military. The specific silhouettes pictured on this Raptor represent Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs) which is indeed one of the two types of bombs the F-22 can carry in its weapons bay. This sighting is significant because of the small amount of action the F-22s have taken part in since becoming operational in 2005. The F-22 Raptors are responsible for only 2% of all weapons released during this air campaign, so spotting one that has seen combat is a lucky find!