Our first look at the $16 BILLION F-22 RAPTOR UPGRADE

[@SandboxxApp]

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[@pegasusted2504]

Shame, I've already been playing for over 8 years :~)

[@bbwphantom]

It is a fun game, I like playing the battleships on surround sound

[@buildmotosykletist1987]

ATT ALEX: Please cover BOTH of the Aussie 'Hypersonic missiles'. Thanking you in anticipation.

[@SuperMoon57]

Just so you know this is a Belarusian company, one of the most crooked biased gaming companies out there. Most games are rigged, this company nerfs your premium ships, tanks and planes. The MM is completely corrupt. These Russians are the very worst, they have no honor nor scruples.

[@MelvinCruz]

You need to make a video about the SU-57 fighting over Ukraine

[@jajssblue]

F22 is a good case study for why a flexible and upgradable platform is so important for NGAD.

[@thelastlatchkeykid8466]

Technology and adversary capabilities matured rapidly just after the Raptor’s introduction. It’s not like NGAD will be a Transformer, but you’re absolutely right, it will undoubtedly be the most flexible and adaptable platform ever relative to previous generations. Can’t wait to see it!

[@ky-effect2717]

Now thats smart engineering- a real time development loop using the feedback from testing on current platforms. I love it

[@Jefe-Grande]

Will Roper made it clear Modular Open Systems Architecture with Agile Software Development will be employed for 6G NGAD Networked AI Assisted MultiPlatform Systems of Systems - in *There Is No Spoon* ...

[@Jefe-Grande]

The most unique NGAD attribute will be Cloud One multiplatform networking for near real-time data capture + processing + distribution to repopulate platform Threat Libraries using Kubernetes containerized code eliminating time consuming regression testing for On The Fly Tech Refreshes as platforms share sensed near real time data with each enemy encounter greatly increasing target ID efficiency + effectiveness for greater lethality with reduced fratricide...

[@bleachorange]

The F-22 design is a case of "you dont know what you dont know". In the 1980s when the initial design was conceived, the internet barely even existed, and certainly not as we know it. We had yet to see the helmet mounted target cueing from soviet mig 29s after the dissolution of that state. it only makes sense the designers didnt prepare upgradeability for a manner that hadnt really been conceived yet for electronics. personal computers were pretty recent, and mainframes had been mainstays for some time. it was a different era. much in the same way NGAD will learn much from the mistakes of the F35 program and design.

[@xm8553]

The Raptor is SUCH a good looking plane. Even though the plane was designed 30+ years ago it still just looks like it’ll kick your ass without breaking a sweat

[@pigeonpoo1823]

And much much much better looking than the f35.

[@ronjon7942]

Cuz it will. Without breaking a sweat. Easily for the next 20 years, probably longer.

[@honeybadgerbomb4469]

Eh. It's great, but overhyped. It doesn't have built in IRST or FSO, which automatically makes it need an external load, whjch no matter what, will heavily negate a stealth advantage by increasing visual and infrared signatures.

[@blvck.8197]

You realize with IRST you have to know where to look and if you don't know where to look you're already dead. ​@@honeybadgerbomb4469

[@peceed]

@@honeybadgerbomb4469 IRST is overrated, really. Radar is so much more important.

[@drgonzo305]

“Aging out of service?!” What does that mean? Signed “The B-52”

[@Gunnerman65]

Kinda apples to oranges, but I hear ya. B-52 will never see the g loads of a fighter.

[@Gunnerman65]

@KEV_101 But by all means keep that F-22 flying for the history and heritage flights.

[@nacnud2323]

Ask the B-58 Hustler

[@drgonzo305]

@@nacnud2323 the B-52 knows nothing of this so called “hustler”, the B-52 only knows it will be heading the invasion of the Muskian technocracy separatist dug into Olympus Mons on Mars in the year 2468 with 8 rolling detonation fusion engines and a 3000 ton weapons capacity thanks to Mars’s weak gravity

[@TheSilmarillian]

Nice 1 indeed.

[@dangingerich2559]

I remember back in 1992 reading a magazine, I think it was Popular Mechanics, that went over the testing of the YF-22 and YF-23. They hadn't yet decided which one they were going to go with. Reading about the specs was incredible. Both were just head and shoulder over the capabilities of the F-15, and added supercruise and stealth. It was science fiction becoming reality.

[@joshschneider9766]

i will eat my shoe if the NGAD doesnt strongly resemble the 23.

[@LDSG_A_Team]

I'll be waiting for the video​@@joshschneider9766

[@kameronjones7139]

​@@joshschneider9766 it almost certainly isn't you can make a better design

[@jacobbaumgardner3406]

@@joshschneider9766that would be surprising considering the age of the YF-23 design. I’m guessing it’ll be more of a tailless delta design, perhaps even trapezoidal delta as shown in the released Skunkworks silhouette.

[@charlesrichardson8635]

@@joshschneider9766 I am pretty sure there won't be any vertical stabilizers to reflect to longer wave radar like the F35 and F22.

[@ninjaundermyskin]

The F-22 is impressive. The only time it has ever been taken down was by Tony Stark in that documentary Iron Man

[@shatterdome_x42xlopez49]

And transformers lol

[@tango_uniform]

A few were bent when hurricane Ian hit the gulf coast. They were unserviceable, red-tagged.

[@DOI_ARTS]

The Incredible Hulk destroyed one while figthing on the Heli Carrier

[@bb-6359]

​@@DOI_ARTS that was an F-35B

[@Ilyak1986]

@@tango_uniform oh gosh. What happens to them now? Are they just training jets now, or absolutely fubar'd?

[@Istandby666]

I was lucky to be a part of these programs back in the late 80's. These programs gave me a great life.

[@robertthompson5858]

How were you a part of the program? What did you do?

[@dlavod]

@@robertthompson5858 Even if he or she was part of the program do you really think he/she can tell you what they worked on?

[@user-pd9ju5dk5s]

@@robertthompson5858He brought the Wednesday donuts

[@colinobrien3806]

do me a favour and go back because someone is telling lies somewhere .. its all rubbish talk // f22 is scrapped for avionics disadvantage to the f35 end of story

[@factChecker01]

@@colinobrien3806, The F-35 is not nearly as stealthy as the F-22 and was not designed to be an air superiority fighter. That is one reason that the F-35 is available for foreign sales and the F-22 never was.

[@protorhinocerator142]

I gotta say those big torpedo fuel tanks make the new F-22 look really cool. There's being deadly in battle and there's being cool. The new F-22 is both.

[@poodlescone9700]

A stealth fuel pod means hard point stealth missiles are not far behind.

[@j.f.fisher5318]

Yeah, I saw that and immediately thought of stealthy missile pods too

[@TheSilmarillian]

What's to say they don't already exist Rathion hold my beer .

[@Justanotherconsumer]

Or already flying.

[@marrqi7wini54]

That could be quite the frightening prospect. Especially if that technology could couple that with the presumed technology of the coming Peregrine. A missile said to be capable of going the same distance as current air-to-air missiles while being half the size. All while being stealth capable. That means a raptor can carry around 12 missiles internally and a couple more externally and one wouldn't even know there were missiles locking on to that fighter until they see fellow wingmen bursting into flames or bailing out.

[@BreandanAnraoi]

Or that they're already here and we don't know about them yet

[@Lontracanadensis]

As you can see from the photo at 3:03, ejecting the normal fuel tanks doesn't leave a pylon behind, the pylon ejects with the tank. Permanently mounted pylons is a flaw in Russian planes, not US ones. The problem is the attachment point. To mount an external tank on the Raptor, it's necessary to remove some covers over the hardpoints the pylon connects to. When it ejects, those holes (though small and diamond-shaped) are not as stealthy as the smooth, conductive-putty-covered surface of a Raptor wing that never had a pylon on it, until the plane returns to base and the covers are installed again and puttied over. The new tanks are supposed to include a replacement for the cover that snaps shut over the hole after ejection, so they leave a plug in the hole almost as good as the cover and putty.

[@hammersmith1653]

Bet ya $50 they have a retractable cover just like the missile bays, but internal.

[@milklover4253]

something something b2 fuel port

[@i-love-space390]

Alex, you deserve every award you get for military technology journalism. Every one of your videos are so well researched and detailed. You are my go to guy on military systems. I just hope today's warriors are as well informed, intelligent and level-headed as you. Our military needs brilliant, informed soldiers to safeguard our country. You and Cappi at Task and Purpose are a tremendous credit to all men in uniform.

[@DefaultProphet]

It’s funny that the Starscream F22 toys often had underwing pods and it was a little weird now the real F22 has caught up

[@toxickilljoy9037]

See? Starscream really was ahead of his time. Makes sense given their advanced technology..... We have the f22, they have the f22 with ..... pods

[@toxickilljoy9037]

Highly sophisticated pods.

[@The_ZeroLine]

It’s not all sunk costs. A lot of the R&D used in the F-22 upgrades will be used for NGAD + platforms.

[@thomasblankinship98]

A lot of the upgrades ,from the advanced helmet to the sensors all come from the F 35. These will be developed even farther for the NGAD. It will be an awesome aircraft. But I do hope for one manufacturer to win the program , as me and many of my family worked for them with over 100 years combined building their planes. Lockheed/ Martin. But my h respect to Northrop Grumman and Boeing.

[@solarissv777]

​@@thomasblankinship98I believe, NG has pulled out of the competition due to being fully occupied with B21. So only LM and Boeing are left, and provided Boeings mishaps on commercial market due to low quality and potentially cancelled orders. Boeing is most likely to win. Because it is just too big to die.

[@tyian6728]

​@@solarissv777NG is still in on the Navy FA/XX program

[@diverxpl]

so much for the Raptor being dead

[@ponz-]

The raptor along with the goonies never say die

[@chrissmith-rv5ro]

The Air Force knows NGAD is going to be a cluster duck especially if LM wins the contract.

[@Billy_Rizzle]

​@@ponz-​ The Raptors do say die, but only to balloons and in their dreams

[@ENCAGED79]

@@chrissmith-rv5roBut LM has UFO reversed technologies

[@ponz-]

@@Billy_Rizzle undisputed balloon killer 😂

[@Spawn-td8bf]

I can still remember when they announced the short production run of the F-22. It broke my heart. I understand how they came to that decision, but had they kept production up, it would have been a whole different story. Hind sight is 20/20. Still it gladdens my heart to see they are giving the Raptor a reprieve for the time being.

[@SpamSucker]

Similar story for the Seawolf class submarines and the Virginia class replacement. Seawolf had a lot of room for growth and development, but with the limited production run there was no point to it. Also, similar story for Comanche helicopters… it almost seems like Congress and defense contractors are conspiring to spend tax dollars on R&D without ever actually fielding an extensive operational force.

[@Spawn-td8bf]

It does suck how much money they spend with no follow through.@@SpamSucker

[@kilmer009]

Same here. 'Growing up' with the development of the F-22, my mind could not comprehend how the US was willing to dump billions into other programs except it's single most advanced platform which completely dominated everything else out there. I am fully cognizant of the US being deep into it's 'war on terror' bs at the time, which I knew would fail. I have always felt that they would come to regret this decision, and here we are. Everyone should have seen China rising at the time and everyone should have known the middle east wasn't going to last forever. Very short sighted. Anyway I am glad that after all the naysaying they have decided to reverse a bit on this and upgrade the F-22 even with the steep costs. Lucky it's an NGAD testing platform.

[@corey8420]

How do you understand Obama's choice to cut the F22 to fund social programs?

[@Spawn-td8bf]

@@corey8420 How about you get the rich to pay their fair share. Defense was cut as was my disability. Don't give me that one or the other crap. They did and still are doing both. One party even wants Social Security and Medicare/Medicaid to sunset, things we worked all our lives for. We earned it. They are not a handouts. Coming from a military family and collecting disability myself, I believe in a strong military and a strong social system. There is no need to choose if EVERYONE pays their fair share.

[@acmelka]

Back in the 1990s I remember hearing comments about 'why do we need a fighter so good? '. I thought, because it takes 20+ years to make a new one and things can change in that time.

[@michael_083]

My favorite part of driving home from work is speaking along (in a deep voice) “This is AirPower” then head banging a bit to the aggressive music drop. Thanks for the great content, Alex.

[@everettputerbaugh3996]

Just goes to show that the Air Force "spokesperson" was correct in saying that NGAD technology would be tested on F-22s, and the Raptors would be keeping those that worked for them. There is little to keep designers from putting fancy electronics in the pointy part of the weapons pod...

[@scothayes9220]

Nice work Alex, Airpower is making it's way to the top of heap for civilians interested modern combat aviation. I wouldn't be surprised if a great number of military aviators find your information even more valuable. Keep up the good work.

[@Ilyak1986]

Making?! MADE. Alex's channel is the new Weekday Wings (only...on the Discovery channel. RIP wonderful channel >_

[@lukasgruber1280]

nothing on radar sir, just a lone fuel tank falling from the sky

[@kyledabearsfan]

THE SKY IS FALLING SIR! "dont be ridiculous Pvt Little"

[@dew.adventures6712]

​@@kyledabearsfanhahaha 😂

[@whiffingherbs]

lol

[@atowns3364]

Stealth fuel tank..

[@stevem2323]

Stealth fuel tanks.

[@thunderamu9543]

NGAD is still a big question mark. Raptor upgrades is money well spent! I can imagine several repurposing alternatives for Raptor+ once NGAD is operational.

[@jajssblue]

Cool! Been waiting to learn more about this! It's cool that Raptor is gonna be even more of a beast!

[@floydm.4159]

The F-22 was supposed to have an IRST set in the nose to begin with. It was cut due to "budget concerns". And now we're paying 4 times as much for the added capability a decade later in a format that reduces RCS while taking up stores space. Part and parcel for the US defense acquisition system.

[@gregHames-u6n]

Correct!

[@rogerbiggerstaff3293]

Got a source for that 4x the price, claim? Secondly, the F-22 doesn't carry any stores externally, so no weapons space has been taken up.

[@Ygkigjkmj-w3v]

Except those massive fuel tanks they show extensively in the video...and thats before you get to the fact everyone wants to carry more a2a at the moment and the F22 can only take 4 amraam internally. Maybe dont talk before you actually know what you are talking about 😊6@rogerbiggerstaff3293

[@rogerbiggerstaff3293]

​@@Ygkigjkmj-w3vthose fuel tanks are designed with stealth in mind (i.e. shaping and materials) so as to have a negligible effect on the RCS. As for payload, the F-22 currently carries 8 missiles internally. 6 AIM-120 and 2 AIM-9. It's never carried external weapons operationally, so no hard points are being given up.

[@onapersonalnote7045]

F22s spamming missiles Ace Combat-style is a nightmare scenario for anyone 😂

[@miamijules2149]

🙄 Strike Raptor just let me down on Mission 10 but whatever…. lol

[@Ilyak1986]

@@miamijules2149 skill issue!

[@domcamp3313]

@@miamijules2149skill issue af if you couldn’t do it with the strike raptor😂

[@anarchyandempires5452]

​@@miamijules2149 bro I literally got through the entire game with the A10, you have no excuse.

[@PrograError]

Forget that, just dealing with project wingman's mission 11 : Cold War is a headache... at least the soundtrack rocked

[@sandrajohnnewmanwarnock2232]

I was a fast jet pilot and took part in Red Flag at Nellis AFB in 1985. For some of the time we had marine F4s escorting us. They had helmet mounted cueing systems that allowed them to take out F15’s with their AIM9 Xs without leaving station. That was 35 years ago! It’s been a mystery to me why it has taken so long to roll out helmet mounted cueing systems - it’s a game changer.

[@blurglide]

The AIM-9X didn't achieve IOC until 2003.

[@yupyup4209]

And those original experimental ones were probably actually retro fitted soviet helmets

[@j.d.604]

You're saying the AIM-9X underwent testing in 1985?? That is 18 years before going IOC in 2003?

[@daniellarsen-e3s]

Alex, congrats on your shoutout from Simon Whistler talking about Aurora!

[@SandboxxApp]

I wasn’t aware - thanks for letting me know!

[@donchaput8278]

Will the NGAD be mostly a 2 seater? It sounds like all the tech and drone wingmen will require a team of 2 per plane. One to fly and one to use 2-3 wingman drones and weapons.

[@j.f.fisher5318]

At least 2 seater, I think I've heard rumors maybe more. It isn't a fighter in the normal sense.

[@focusedfuture7612]

Don't you think the wingmen could be controlled by someone on the ground?

[@IndigoSierra]

​@@focusedfuture7612Yes, but that makes the CCAs much more vulnerable to jamming or even hacking. Latency might also be an issue if the CCA is in an fight, something current remotely piloted drones like the predator don't have to worry about. But idk, it might be feasible to do so. I guess we'll just have to wait and see what happens in the coming years.

[@mcamp9445]

@@j.f.fisher5318 I think it’s extremely unlikely that it would have more than two

[@j.f.fisher5318]

@@mcamp9445 especially with AI assist to manage the workload. But it's more like a bomber, maybe combined with a mini-AWACS. A bomber is highly efficient at attacking anything lower and slower than it is. For NGAD that will include enemy fighters.

[@yupyup4209]

Hey Alex, here's an interesting thought: What if the NGAD won't even have conventional weapons onboard? As in no missiles or guns. Leave that to the drone wingman. This would allow the NGAD to be extremely thin and reach a new level of stealth. Maybe only have stuff on board for defence like directed energy weapons for taking out missiles. The ultra stealthy NGAD could be used mainly for protecting all of the other aircraft in the sky that do the actual attacking.

[@willwozniak2826]

Thanks Alex....great video......just like everybody thought the ARRW was dead......now im curious about the Aim 260...it has to fly at mach 5 at least....

[@sparty94]

i wouldn't be surprised if the phase out of F22 gets extended quite a bit. doesn't make sense to put such expensive upgrades on a plane that's heading to the boneyard.

[@woutergrob8587]

Yes, but also no. It could also be that they are using the F22 to study and learn how to make underwing equipment stealthy in general for the coming generations of stealth aircraft, including the F22's successor. I hope there's quite some service life left, though, because the Raptor sure is one heck of a plane to look at...

[@wilinstonthompson1352]

Makes sense to hedge your bets especially if you think you may get into a shooting war in the Pacific in the near future 😉.

[@j.f.fisher5318]

​@@wilinstonthompson1352 yeah, I'm sure its fate will be determined by the threats we're looking at when the time comes.

[@justindurand9110]

It isn't hard to imagine, even if only because of bureaucratic red tape.

[@BreandanAnraoi]

For sure. With NGAD in the very early stages, imagine how long it will be before it's ready? Design and development, prototypes, test flights, initial production, but even after that how long before there's enough built to fully take over from the Raptor? And they'll also have to figure out all the design issues that always come up with initial production runs, plus with the 6th gen drone wingmen concept you can bet the house it's gonna have a software issues that'll make the F35's look minor. And it's not like they can train the pilots and develop all the combat strategies and tactics for the 6th gen concept quickly. NGAD might be slated for the 30s, but we're basically at the stage the Raptor was at in the mid to late 1980s. It took nearly 20 years from then to hit full production and if the NGAD followed a similar timeline (and the F35 was broadly similar) there'll be ~200 NGADs by 2048.

[@samuelwmeek]

Thanks!

[@richardhenry1742]

Thank you for the information. A lot of it went over my head. But pride in my country's abilities never gets old.

[@buildmotosykletist1987]

You have a lot to be very proud of. Keeping our shipping lanes open among them.

[@markbrisec3972]

It's incredible how much more advanced F-35's skin is compared to Raptor. On the Raptor you can see pieces of aircraft skin joined to the body with rivets. They look like patches and seem very crude.. On the other hand the close ups of the F-35's skin show a smooth surface without any visible joints. Over 20 years of advance in stealth coatings and joining technology is more than visible in those 2 examples... One can only imagine how advanced, smooth and jointless the skin of the B-21 Raider will be. Can't wait to see some close up photos of the production model..

[@zackthebongripper7274]

The Stealth pylon and IRST pods is one of the most important programs of the last 30 years.

[@kameronjones7139]

I wonder if the stealth fuel tank will one day be used on the f35 even though it already carries alot of fuel

[@kurtwinslow2670]

Alex said that's the intention.

[@ramonpunsalang3397]

The Israelis are said to be working in F-35 stealth tanks

[@kameronjones7139]

@@ramonpunsalang3397 there has been alot of rumors about it. The usa will definitely be looking at it

[@j.f.fisher5318]

You can never have too much fuel

[@buildmotosykletist1987]

Alex talks about that in the video. Cheers.

[@Wild_Danimal]

The fact they didn’t design stealth drop tanks 20 years ago is weird

[@gregHames-u6n]

I agree with you.

[@Nightsight971]

I'm glad to hear about the helmet cuing system finally. They have always said the Raptors' cockpit canopy design wouldn't allow it.

[@mcamp9445]

Yeah, I don’t know about that. It was supposed to have them, but it got canceled. The only issue I could see with the canopy would be not having canopy bow like the internal one on the F3 five part of the F-35 canopy does it has sensors that tracks where the helmet is looking Though that doesn’t seem like something that can’t be surmounted with gyros and such built into the helmet. The main reason the F-35 has the canopy bow is for birdstrike protection for the navy and marines variant. The outer shell of the F5 canopy is smooth one piece. The canopy bow does not touch it instead of the canopy. Bow is connected to an internal windshield from the canopy for stealth purposes the 35 canopy is totally frameless like the F-22.

[@Nightsight971]

@mcamp9445 hi, ya several videos I've seen have said the earlier sensors required were too big or couldn't be placed correctly. I guess technology has shrunk/progressed

[@mr2skeeter]

Had no idea an upgrade was in the works.. Thanks for the video!

[@StrongHarm]

My favorite show... on any subject or platform. I don't even bother with other sources anymore because they're mostly just regurgitated content with poorly read presentation. This is always original content presented by the analyst (enthusiast/expert/av nut). Outstanding! My only complaint is that I now have a dependency... so please keep at it Alex!

[@caseymortensen4596]

Simon whistler recently quoted you as an expert aviation source in an episode of Mega Projects. Kudos

[@beesod6412]

the Raptor will always be my favorite fighter jet, Great video as always Alex. Thanks good sir!

[@ThorneyedWT]

Drop tanks can be just made from polymers. No need to waste any coating.

[@earlspencer9370]

I really enjoy your pod! Great job! Keep it coming! Semper Fi!

[@DankinTreezinCoffinBlazin]

Long live the F-22, great video and very informative and one last thing thanks for the great aerial view shout out to the Cleveland Browns Stadium my hometown

[@kyles5751]

I thought this would happen, but now that its more or less confirmed, I expect it will be in service longer than they say.

[@Scott079]

Yeah I’m guessing probably into the 2040s

[@lyfandeth]

I think that when the next generation fleshes out and the F22 becomes "obsolets" there's a perfect role waiting for it: Domestic air defense. Right now we have relatively old and slow F15's on ready ramps for domestic intercepts. Trips where speed matters more than range, if you keep the aircraft well dispersed. The F22 could fit the role of domestic interceptors perfectly. Speed still counts.

[@Frankmiller05]

Excellent stuff as always Alex

[@philsmith2444]

Another benefit of carrying weapons in stealthy underwing pods is that they could carry larger weapons than will fit in the internal weapons bay. So a new AAM doesn’t have to be designed with the same envelope as the AMRAAM.

[@Stellerex]

I'm probably going to buy me one in a few years when I save up my money over a few Summers from lawns I cut. It should be pretty cool 😎👍

[@billwill7383]

It'll be super cool.

[@Stellerex]

@@billwill7383 We'll fly together into the night sky.

[@DUKE_of_RAMBLE]

Your friends definitely won't see that comin'! 😏

[@gayprepperz6862]

Love your channel. It's become one of my go-to channels, and I always immediately check out your latest posts.

[@jaymoore332]

Make a drop tank that acts as a decoy when jettisoned! 😜

[@Watchman093]

The F22 will always amaze me. A truly incredible looking plane with insane capabilities. Seeing the US upgrading it to maintain it's dominance for years to come is simply a joy to witness. I am nowhere near ready to see this plane grounded, even with the NGAD in the works. Great video. You should cover more about the upgrades to the F22 and how it will still maintain it's edge with drone wingman technology, even vs other countries who are working on similar tech.

[@olishant]

Raptors never say die

[@Nacojetodobre]

Love to see Alexs face light up as he speaks about the AIM 260, its like a little child talking about christmas. You can see that he is passionate about what he makes his content. Thank you for a great video.

[@jaredcrub9567]

Any chance these pods, and tanks could be fitted to the F-15 and F-16. Would help their capabilities.

[@chrisburke624]

The pods may or may not be an improvement - it's usually the non-sexy stuff that wins the affection of soldiers, airmen/airwomen, sailors, etc So even if the pods are slightly more capable than the pods being used now, if the ease of use, ease of installation, ease of extracting data, and ease of maintenance leans towards the slightly less capable pod, chances are they'll stick with that

[@Nr15121]

NATO spec hard points so yeah absolutely unless there’s something unique about their clean break away mechanism tho even with that they should be compatible tho with how expensive this stuff is I doubt it will go to anything other than the 22 and 35

[@hoghogwild]

They already have EFTs and CFTs available.

[@cosmicyeti6804]

Alex, I love how you say your name, and this is AIRPOWER! Awesome.

[@colinfarrelly2513]

Great update Alex.

[@MrWhiskers65]

Alex sure is passionate about his reporting.👏

[@jameswalker7899]

One looks forward with great anticipation to your examination of the AIM-260! :)

[@mcamp9445]

It should be pretty awesome. One thing we seem to know for sure is that it’s going to be a two-stage missile like how rockets are that go to space where the first stage burns and then is detached so the remaining propellant in the second stage doesn’t have to push the empty weight of the first stage, it’s actually surprising that this hasn’t already been done though it’s not essential like for going to orbit it clearly will have benefits. One could be the first fires and since it on its trajectory and the second stage only fires when it’s 15 or 20 miles out so that it’s powered all the way into the target.

[@jameswalker7899]

Well, complexity = higher cost + higher failure rates? @@mcamp9445

[@tvdroid22]

The thrust comparison to the SR-71 is deceptive. Due to the design of the engines, they actually make considerably more power as it gets faster and flies higher, so ultimate power vs power at sea level on a stand are very different.

[@OVRxNxOUT]

*_”It all that ensures that the upgraded F-22 Raptor is likely the only aircraft on the planet that will be able to flat out, embarrass the old F-22”_* Now that is one hell of a statement which should drive a lot of fear into many of our adversaries…at very least, put the fear of God into the old F 22…DUNT DUNNT DUNNNNN!

[@Whiskey11Gaming]

IRST most definitely has BVR capabilities. The F14D IRST is anecdotally capable of detecting a tanker and aircraft around it at ranges in excess of 200 miles with better resolution than the APG71 radar in the nose. The system was also capable of ranging tracks through angle tracking and crews could put an AIM-54C on it without the APG71. That was in the early 90s. The F14 Tomcast covers these systems at a high level with those anecdotes. The pod used in the F14D is the basis of the modern LEGION pod.

[@Shiftinggers]

I see the Raptor is taking a page outta good old Grandpa BUFF's book. That begs the question: will Uncle Sam use the Raptor for SEAD operations now? That's a scary thought

[@mcamp9445]

The F35 is already superior for SEAD

[@CRIMEPAYS-ks4dt]

@@mcamp9445 how so, please. curious!

[@antonzanki8398]

As a former aviation Desert Storm veteran (aircrew), it’s always been hard to resist a love affair with the F-22. First of all they’re just the sexiest plane ever but also becoming rare exotics it’s an honor to even see one. The idea that now they’re getting even sexier looking and even better. . their capabilities are being updated internally, and now with these new super missiles and stealth weapons pods!! Whaaaat?! Makes you glad you lived this long.

[@mohammedsaysrashid3587]

Nice video about upgrades F-22 raptor ...are its 5+ generation.....thank you Sandbox channel

[@johnzuzula3687]

Alex I love your platform and it's content. Thank you!

[@johndoh5182]

You know if the US wouldn't have spent over a trillion dollars (ADDED COST) fighting a needless war in Iraq we'd probably have another 100 - 200 Raptors. In other words I don't like CONSTANTLY hearing about what the US felt was needed and what wasn't. It was a budget cut, and it came during the Iraq war which cost a small fortune.

[@choov7554]

I think “small fortune” maybe a large under statement

[@mattipps]

It was a small fortune back then. Now it's a drop in the bucket. The entire war was less than 1 term of deficit spending under Biden.

[@Global6500Driver]

You misspelled Ukraine wrong. 😂

[@KKH808]

Ukraine doesn’t have the slightest thing to do with the F-22 in any way.

[@Invisibleindreamsonly]

Alex i love your channel and it's almost always the first one that I open each day.Ithink it's great with what they are doing to the F-22 may it always lead the world in technologies and it's abilities. Long live the king of the sky!!!!!!! 22:55

[@anngo4140]

Ace Combat footage!!! Long live Erusea!!!

[@patgiblinsongs5]

Thank you, Alex! Your content gets better and better, as time goes by!

[@damianketcham]

F-22 went from retirement to upgrade at light speed. Too bad we have only about 170 operational.

[@manofcultura]

We have a certain Oreo to thank for that.

[@kameronjones7139]

​@@manofcultura that is really racist to call Obama that

[@barryelverson9486]

Things can change quickly in the world. I’d also say that it looks more like not putting it all into one airframe, but having it, the F-15EX plus the F-35 along with the NGAD. Throw in a ton of differing drones..

[@wilinstonthompson1352]

​@@manofculturaWasn't his call. Congress, Air Force and the joint Chiefs said we didn't need that many AND that we had something better and cheaper in the future ( F-35) . But thanks for showing us the racist PoS you are .😉🤫

[@manofcultura]

@@wilinstonthompson1352 I’m sorry, I forgot that presidents can’t veto if they wanted to… oh wait, they can!

[@74_Green]

These sound amazing. RAF Lakenheath is not too far away and often get to see these flying around and F-35.

[@74_Green]

Shame new airframes are not being produced. As I can see these being relevant for the next 15-20 years. And I doubt the NGAD will see mass production until ~2035. 🤷‍♂

[@mcamp9445]

@@74_Green with Block four F35 being able to do a lot of the mission of the F2 two and these upgrades for the F22 we should be fine

[@richardcomerford1828]

It's said that restarting a Raptor production would be as many dollars as a new designing a new plane. But when has a new plane ever come in anywhere near the projected cost? I bet new Raptors would be cheaper given that we already know how to build them.

[@2goober4u]

The thing is, we'd need all-new production centers since all the old F-22 centers now produce F-35s

[@richardcomerford1828]

Well you're going to need new production facilities either way then. New plane or old plane. It's a wash.

[@ronjon7942]

Yep, agree with OP.

[@Youtubeuser1aa]

Just make NGAD

[@buildmotosykletist1987]

@@KZbinuser1aa : I agree with Alex too, just build the NGAD.

[@deadmeat8754]

Taffy Two Three scored a home run with that image. Great update, Sandboxx!

[@MemesOfProduction69]

Would you intercept me? IIII'd intercept me.

[@Hadfield15]

Habitual Linecrosser ref? I approve

[@dextermorgan1]

"I'd intercept me. I'd intercept me so hard" 😂

[@dextermorgan1]

​@@Hadfield15I'm pretty sure it's a Silence of the Lambs reference. If it's not then my bad.

[@MemesOfProduction69]

@@Hadfield15 yes indeed!

[@marksanney2088]

Alex: Thank you again for another informative vlog regarding the continuing metamorphosis of the venerable F-22 Raptor. Greatly appreciated. 👍🏻🇺🇸🦅🇺🇸👍🏻 May you and your family enjoy a wonderful and blessed Easter weekend, my friend. From my humble perspective, one would think that stealth drop tanks would be a no brainer which should have been incorporated early on in the development and/or service life of the F-22. To me, it is like implementing decades old tire technology on a modern Indy or LeMans race car.

[@whero3996]

"stealth fuel tanks" and still no free health care. HELL YEAHHH

[@Brian-yk5kx]

Because "Free" Healthcare has worked so well everywhere else?

[@RCT3Enthusiast]

@@Brian-yk5kx it has actually, in dozens of countries which regularly equal or surpass the United States in measured quality of life--that's why so many people have been talking about making this change for so long now. Citizens like you and I have so much more in common than those who continuously work in bad faith to prevent such progress :)

[@2goober4u]

I dont like calling it "Free" healthcare, a more accurate name would be publicly funded healthcare.

[@RCT3Enthusiast]

@@2goober4u Correct. And we know that the investment has a very high relative return. There is a "trickle-down" effect when the variable cost of healthcare at end-of-life is no longer a permanent black cloud on your financial calculations and annual consumption--people become nicer to each other and more productive when their health and life-expectancy is no longer tied to career choice and income level :)

[@2goober4u]

@@RCT3Enthusiast dude i dont care im playing tf2

[@tonyromano4341]

Outstanding report Alex.

[@davids1inwestholl45]

Awesome video! Very informative and quite comprehensive for OSINT.

[@jimgordon3206]

Alex, your videos are the best. Very educational and inspirational at the same time. I’m my opinion the shape of the F22 is staggeringly beautiful. The wing area is huge and the canted tail fins look purposeful. It looks better the than the F15 and almost as cool as the F16.

[@giusmaximus9586]

Alex, Hi! Tell me if the below idea makes any sense at all: In order to stand for the Russia/China challenge, my thought is the following: Take the F-16 plataform and create teo new versions: 1. Already in course, an unmanned version. 2. Create a stealh, supersonic version of it. Mass produce these two while keeping up with the F-35 and existing F-22. This way the US would have a robust overall capability in order to face its adversaries.

[@GlockMan70]

Awesome video Mr. Hollings love your show!!!

[@maninthemiddleground2316]

16:55 I don’t think the outer ones in the wings are IRST “pods” co’z to emit IR it should have a transmit in the infrared it needs to be “transparent”. Most of the IRST pods we see in other fighters are made from sapphire. However if it really is, then I think they’re stereoscopic… which would be awesome 👍👍👍

[@hoghogwild]

Emit IR?

[@ronjon7942]

Regarding the non-stealthy drop tanks, when they’re ejected, can the pylons also be discarded? Or are they bolt-ons? Edit - 11:05. Oh. Guess they’re bolted on.

[@bobburich]

Outstanding show, TU from Naples Florida.

[@brunocortese]

This is the only channel to which I give a like in advance, because I know I’ll like the video.

[@jacoblahr]

Theres just something about the F22 Raptor its always been my fav. Maybe the combo of design look and name ?

[@jasonvick55]

As an American, this video was definitely a confidence boost. Thanks Alex

[@anggisuwandi2404]

After two decades the true beauty of Raptor finally shines

[@kaiderbrecher9642]

I still can’t comprehend how it was even possible to invent the F22 back then… and how it’s not possible for anybody else to come even close AS OF TODAY

[@grefire1947]

Simple, there just wasn't anything to justify building anything better for awhile ever since the Soviets collapsed.

[@EnricoJetStream]

well, helmets on F16s and F18s already could lock on targets via Radar or the aim9s sensors more than thirty years ago.

[@Gameroomrebel1980]

The Raptor Just looks Cool!!! And it's scary. Looking at it now, It looks futuristic even though it was designed in the late 80s. My go to Jet Fighter in the Ace Combat games for Playstation

[@terrywilliams8490]

It's not how many soldiers you have ....... It's who has the best toys...... FACTSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS.......💯💪💯

[@heathwilliams9754]

Makes me wonder if this picture was taken of the F22s flying at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. I saw a few F22s flying the other day and could tell they were carrying something on a wing hard point when they banked and I saw the top profile. But I couldn't see anything when they returned to the side profile. Perhaps just because the fuel tanks blend in so we'll with the fuselage of the aircraft.

[@mcamp9445]

Almost certainly they were just carrying their normal 600 gallon fuel tanks that they’ve had all these years and often carry in Hawaii. This picture was out of Edwards in California.

[@philipjee4389]

Loved this video thank you can we have a video on the uk 🇬🇧 jets 😊 the f22 is honestly the best of the best

[@hudsonreynolds4349]

Great video. So exciting. Love the Raptor ❤🎉

[@robhaythorne4464]

A really great channel, Akex. This from a combat engineer who is probably more comfortable messing around in real sandboxes.

[@charlesrichardson8635]

Cover anything you want! I love it all!

[@dariuszzukowski5244]

"Carry more hate into the fight", love it :)

[@WhyInnovate]

Cover how starship could be used by DoD to drop of troops or deploy hyper sonic missles to any point of the global in 40 mins