The Engineering Behind the F-22 Raptor, a $335 Million Dollar Stealth Machine

The F-22 was engineered to have decreased radio emissions, infrared signature, acoustic signature, and be less visible to the naked eye.
Loukia Papadopoulos

You have likely heard of the F-22 Raptor but do you know how it was developed and how much it cost? Fun fact: the powerful jet cost a whopping $335 million dollars. With that money, you could launch a SpaceX Falcon 9 five times.

At the time that it was constructed (in 1997), the powerful jet was absolutely futuristic. It combined supercruise, supermaneuverability, stealth, and sensor fusion in a single weapons platform. 

Unlike conventional jets, the F-22 was also designed to be incredibly stealthy with wings that align perfectly with its horizontal stabilizer, helping to reduce the radar signature. It was engineered to have decreased radio emissions, infrared signature, acoustic signature, and be less visible to the naked eye. 

If that has impressed you, you should know that it was also equipped with an integrated avionics system that combines sensor fusion, data from the radar, and other external sensors to enhance pilots’ situational awareness. All, this meant that the F-22 could always spot you and easily and efficiently target you with its three internal weapons bays.

If these details have piqued your curiosity for the F-22, then watch the video to find out more about this beastly jet!

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