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last of the superfighters? The F-22 features an unmatchable blend of speed, altitude and stealth performance. (USAF)
The case for speed, height & stealth
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With the future of the USAF’s F-22 Raptor program soon to be decided upon as part of the Obama administration’s FY2010 defence budget, many political figures and pro-F-22 commentators and supporters have been ramping up their lobbying efforts in an attempt to influence the decision makers.
The F-22 is undoubtedly the world’s best air-to-air combat aircraft. Its speed, power, range, manoeuvrability, weapons load, sensors and perhaps most importantly, its advanced shaping and materials make it almost unbeatable in the air-to-air arena and its 150+ to nil kill ratio in major exercises supports this. It’s ability to supercruise, i.e. achieve and sustain supersonic flight without having use afterburners allows it to get to and from a fight quickly, and to stay in that fight longer, and its brute power and manoeuvrability allows it to engage, disengage and re-engage at will.
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