The U.S. Air Force Is Making The F-22 Even More Deadlier

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Kris Osborn, National Interest/Scout Warrior: Here Is How the U.S. Air Force Is Making the F-22 Even Deadlier

Here Is How the U.S. Air Force Is Making the F-22 Even Deadlier

The Air Force is performing key maintenance on the F-22 Raptor's stealth materials while upgrading the stealth fighter with new attack weapons to include improved air-to-air and air-to-surface strike technology, service officials said.

Lockheed Martin completed the first F-22 Raptor at the company’s Inlet Coating Repair (ICR) Speedline, a company statement said.

"Periodic maintenance is required to maintain the special exterior coatings that contribute to the 5th Generation Raptor’s Very Low Observable radar cross-section," Lockheed stated.

The increase in F-22 deployments, including ongoing operational combat missions, has increased the demand for ICR. Additionally, Lockheed Martin is providing modification support services, analytical condition inspections, radar cross section turntable support and antenna calibration.

Also, Air Force officials have told Scout Warrior that, by 2019, the service will begin upgrading F-22 functionality for the AIM-120D and AIM-9X Air-to-Air missiles as well as enhanced Air-to-Surface target location capabilities. The F-22 currently carries the AIM-9X Block 1 and the current upgrade will enable carriage of AIM-9X Block 2.

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Update: Clever Girl: US F-22 Raptor to Receive Weapons, Stealth Suite Overhaul -- Sputnik

WNU Editor: As deadly as the F-22 is .... the U.S. Air Force is developing its replacement .... The F-22 Raptor's Replacement Is Starting to Take Shape (Popular Mechanics).