The F-22 Raptor, a crucial asset in the U.S. Air Force’s arsenal, is poised to advance into the future with a substantial integration of new technology, such as artificial intelligence (AI), to prolong its operational lifespan until 2060.

This strategic decision is being made even in light of the anticipated debut of the sixth-generation Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) platform in the 2030s, demonstrating the Air Force’s dedication to upholding its supremacy in aerial capabilities.

DAYTON, Ohio—The U.S. Air Force and Lockheed Martin have embarked on the second phase of yearly iterative updates to the F-22 fleet, focusing on a blend of software tweaks and prompt upgrades.

As reported on August 1 at the AFLCMC Industry Days conference by Brig. Gen. Dale White, these enhancements are integral in preparing the F-22 to confront both current and future threats.

With a budget request earmarked at $3.5 billion for F-22 research, development, test, and evaluation in fiscal 2024, and a plan for $19.5 billion over the next five years, it’s clear that the Air Force is heavily invested in the Raptor’s modernization.

White elucidated the connection between current capabilities and the technologies behind them, emphasizing the importance of the F-22’s role in refining the technological prowess that will underpin future aircraft.

The Raptor Agile Capability Release (RACR) program, initiated in 2022, has now entered its second phase, Release 2, following the substantial Increment 3.2B upgrade completed between 2020-2021.

This new phase is a software modification program that received approval and has commenced initial fielding. O.J. Sanchez, Lockheed’s vice president for its Integrated Fighter Group, mentioned that the subsequent phase, Release 3, is anticipated to follow approximately 12-18 months after the second release.

In addition to software modifications, the Air Force and Lockheed are exploring low-drag tanks and pylons to amplify the Raptor’s range, although their deployment is expected to follow the installation of the RACR Release 2.

These iterative updates are being installed under the Advanced Raptor Enhancement and Sustainment Contract, a hefty $10.9 billion contract awarded in 2021.

Sanchez conveyed optimism that this suite of technologies would serve as a bridge to future advances, potentially finding their way into the forthcoming NGAD.

The F-22’s storied history is marked by its unmatched air superiority capabilities but also by the controversies surrounding its costs and relevance in modern counterinsurgency warfare.

The decision to cancel the F-22 program, with production ceasing in 2011 after 187 units, was driven by a mix of growing expenses and the evolution of more cost-effective jets like the F-35.

Though the F-22’s avionics are considered outdated and lack modularity for system improvements, the Air Force has nonetheless invested over $11 billion in updates for its fleet in 2022.

Despite this, the Raptor’s production cannot simply be restarted. The infrastructure has since been repurposed for the F-35, and the estimated cost of reviving the F-22’s production was deemed prohibitive. Given the changing nature of warfare and the diminished role of dogfighting, the F-22 must adapt to remain relevant. Its upgrades, therefore, aim not just to enhance its own capabilities but also to inform and influence the development of the NGAD.

Relevant articles:
– USAF, Lockheed Plan F-22 Updates To Feed Next-Gen Fighter Tech, Aviation Week, Aug 4, 2023
– Why Was The F-22 Fighter Jet Program Cancelled?, simpleflying.com
– The Air Force Only Has 186 F-22 Raptor Stealth Fighters, nationalinterest.org
– The F-22 Is Finally Getting Some Much Needed Upgrades, The Aviationist, May 3, 2022