The F-22A Raptor (also designated F-22 or F/A-22A in older titles) is a fifth-generation air superiority fighter. The F-22A is notable for its high speed and stealth technology.
As an advanced and well-known aircraft, the F-22A has been the aircraft of choice for many Ace Combat protagonists, featured on many game covers, and involved in numerous conflicts throughout the series.
History
Strangereal
In the Strangereal universe, the F-22A saw much earlier development than in our real world, having entered service by the mid- to late-20th century. It was slowly adopted as a valuable aircraft for high-ranking pilots, seeing combat as early as the Belkan War in 1995[2] and the Usean coup d'état in 1998.[3]
By the start of the 21st century, the F-22A was produced in larger quantities around the world for many air forces. The ISAF Air Force provided an F-22A for the famed ace, Mobius 1, towards the end of the Continental War. The ISAF later procured three more F-22As for use in the Mobius Squadron during Operation Judgement Day.[4] The Federal Erusea Air Force also made use of the F-22A, albeit in fairly limited numbers. One notable Erusean F-22A pilot was an ace by the callsign of Abell, who was encountered over Ice Creek by Mobius 1 during Operation Aurora. [5]
The Osean Air Defense Force had numerous units of the aircraft which were deployed in force near the end of the Circum-Pacific War, including some used by warmongers during the Battle of Sudentor.[6]
During the Emmeria-Estovakia War, the Estovakian Air Force made use of the F-22A. An Estovakian F-22A ace, Lucijan "Pegas" Markovic, was renowned for his actions at the start of the Estovakian Civil War, which outshined both the Strigon and Vampire Teams.[7] However, despite his skill, he was shot down during the Invasion of Gracemeria by Talisman.[8] In the latter stages of the war, Estovakia deployed large numbers of F-22As and Su-47 Berkuts during the battle of the Moloch Desert,[9] the defense of Gracemeria,[10] the cruise missile attack on Gracemeria,[11] and the defense of the Chandelier.[12]
During the Lighthouse War of 2019, both the Osean Air Defense Force and the Erusean Air Force operated the Raptor as an advanced fighter. The Raptor was more commonly seen in action in the later stages of the war; many of the fighters on both sides in Operation Daredevil were Raptors.[13] Notable pilots include Erusean ace Cyril Noiret, callsign "Tempest," who defended the International Space Elevator from a coalition of Osean and Erusean forces, and Trigger, who used the F-22A when he shot down both ADF-11F Ravens.[14]
In 2020, the F-22A was utilized by the Aurelian Air Force during the Aurelian War.[15] Both Falco Squadron[16] and Aurelian ace Gryphus 1 made use of the F-22A during the final engagements of the war[17][18] after previously using the XFA-24A Apalis.[19]
By the 2030s, the F-22A's appeal was slowly declining; ECM technology was rapidly advancing and anti-stealth radar networks were being developed at a similar pace, countering the F-22A's main advantages of radar-guided missiles and stealth. Its airframe, however, remains iconic partly due to its high speed and excellent maneuverability, leading General Resource Limited to manufacture the Connection for Flight Interface-equipped F-22C Raptor II.[20]
Real world
The F-22A was developed by the United States in the 1980s to replace the F-15C Eagle in response to the Soviet Union's developments in aviation. The aircraft was conceived from the YF-22 Lightning II, the winner in the Advanced Tactical Fighter competition set out by the US government, over the YF-23 Black Widow II, which would not see further development. The F-22A was unveiled in April 19, 1997, and entered service with the United States Air Force in 2005.[21]
Joint Assault
During the attacks by the Golden Axe Plan, Antares Squadron acquired at least one F-22A for use by its members.[22] It is unknown if Antares One himself used an F-22A.[23]
Assault Horizon
By early 2015, the United States was testing a new artificial intelligence known as Righteous to replace F-22A pilots. Colonel William Bishop was involved in testing the AI.[24] Later that year, during the New Russian Federation uprising, Colonel Bishop and other USAF pilots in Task Force 108 would pilot their F-22s during the liberation of Moscow[25] as well as countering Andrei Markov's attack on the eastern U.S.[26][27][28]
Infinity
F-22As saw limited use during Operation Eternal Liberation on both sides of the conflict; Reaper of Bone Arrow Squadron was eventually provided a personal F-22A,[29] and the USEA Federation's Shadow Squadron utilizes multiple F-22A airframes.[30]
Game Analysis
Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown
- "A stealth aircraft developed as part of the Advanced Tactical Fighter program. Its high-power engines and thrust vectoring nozzles give it great speed and maneuverability. This, combined with its stealth capabilities, gives it a reputation as a fearsome fighter capable of dominating the enemy without being spotted. Its weapons are stored internally, so as not to interfere with its stealth; however, they can be carried externally to give it increased firepower. As it is restricted from being exported outside of the country where it was developed, it is difficult to know the full extent of its capabilities. Its nickname is "Raptor.""
- ― Data Viewer
How to Unlock
- Main Game: The F-22A is available on the Aircraft Tree and it costs 920,000 MRP. It requires purchasing either the F-15E Strike Eagle or the F-35C Lightning II.
- VR Mode: Complete ten VR missions.
Statistics
Weapons
- GUN x2400 (∞ on Easy/Normal)
- MSL x136
- QAAM x18
- XSDB x48 (110,000 MRP) (VR: Complete 1 mission with the F-22A)
- 8AAM x80 (110,000 MRP) (VR: Complete 2 missions with the F-22A)
- FLR x3
Part Slots
- BODY: 30
- ARMS: 30
- MISC: 30
Named Pilots
Skins
- Osea: Three-tone light Compass Ghost Gray, dark Compass Ghost Gray and Medium Gray air superiority camouflage based on the standard USAF F-22A paint.
- Erusea: Three-tone blue, sky blue and Medium Gray camouflage. Lucijan Markovic's livery from Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation with light brown replaced by gray. (Unlock: Earn the "Silver Wings" medal: Earn an S Rank on all missions on Hard difficulty.)
- Special: Two-tone Dark Blue and Aggressor Blue camouflage based on JASDF/JMSDF sea camouflage. (Unlock: Shoot down TEMPEST)
- Mage: Osea skin with Mage Squadron markings.
- Spare: Osea skin with Spare Squadron markings.
- Strider: Osea skin with Strider Squadron markings.
- ★ Mobius: Mobius 1's livery. (DLC: Purchase via the ADF-11F Raven Set)
- ★ Phoenix: Phoenix's livery from Air Combat
- ★ Gryphus: Gryphus 1's livery from Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception
- ★ Razgriz: Razgriz Squadron livery (acquire the "Cutting-edge Aircraft Series Set" DLC)
- ★ General Resource: F-22C Raptor II livery
- ★ Dision: Abyssal Dision's F-22C livery
Gallery
An F-22A flying by an Su-30SM
An F-22A flying by an Su-30SM
Skin 03 - Special (TEMPEST)
Skin 11 - General Resource
VR Gallery
Ace Combat Infinity
- "This ultimate stealth fighter is the pride of the U.S. Armed Forces. Aside from flight performance, it has top class acceleration performance and a two-dimensional thrust deflect nozzle which also gives it outstanding maneuverability. Its preemptive strike power, called "first look, first shoot, first kill", is fitting for an aircraft with the name "Raptor", the master of the skies."
- ― Hangar
Statistics and Weapons
| Lv.
|
Cst
|
Price
|
GUN
|
MSL
|
QAAM
|
4AAM
|
HPAA
|
SP
|
MO
|
ST
|
AA
|
AG
|
DF
|
| 1
|
750 |
673,920 |
343 |
120 |
10 |
– |
– |
B |
C+ |
D |
B+ |
D |
E+
|
| 2
|
795 |
63,180 |
377 |
122 |
14 |
– |
– |
B+ |
B |
D+ |
B+ |
D |
D
|
| 3
|
840 |
105,300 |
411 |
124 |
16 |
– |
– |
B+ |
B |
D+ |
A |
D |
D
|
| 4
|
885 |
136,890 |
445 |
126 |
18 |
34 |
– |
A |
B+ |
C |
A+ |
D+ |
D+
|
| 5
|
930 |
179,010 |
480 |
128 |
20 |
38 |
– |
A+ |
A |
C |
A+ |
D+ |
C
|
| 6
|
975 |
547,560[a] |
514 |
130 |
22 |
42 |
– |
A+ |
A+ |
C |
A+ |
D+ |
C+
|
| 7
|
1020 |
400,140 |
548 |
132 |
24 |
46 |
28 |
S |
S |
C+ |
S |
D+ |
B
|
| 8
|
1065 |
568,620 |
583 |
134 |
26 |
50 |
30 |
S |
S |
C+ |
S |
D+ |
A
|
| 9
|
1110 |
800,280 |
617 |
136 |
27 |
52 |
31 |
S+ |
S+ |
C+ |
S+ |
C |
A+
|
| 10
|
1155 |
1,137,240 |
652 |
138 |
28 |
54 |
32 |
S+ |
S+ |
B |
S+ |
C |
S
|
| 11
|
1202 |
2,274,480 |
686 |
142 |
29 |
56 |
33 |
S+ |
S+ |
B |
S+ |
C |
S+
|
| 12
|
1249 |
2,063,880 |
720 |
146 |
30 |
58 |
34 |
S+ |
S+ |
B |
S+ |
C |
S+
|
| 13
|
1296 |
3,032,640 |
755 |
150 |
31 |
60 |
35 |
S+ |
S+ |
B+ |
S+ |
C |
S+
|
| 14
|
1343 |
4,254,120 |
789 |
154 |
32 |
62 |
36 |
S+ |
S+ |
B+ |
S+ |
C |
S+
|
| 15
|
1390 |
5,180,760 |
824 |
158 |
34 |
66 |
38 |
S++ |
S+ |
A |
S+ |
C |
S+
|
| 16
|
1456 |
7,539,480 |
856 |
160 |
35 |
68 |
39 |
S++ |
S++ |
A |
S+ |
C+ |
S++
|
| 17
|
1515 |
8,634,600 |
888 |
162 |
36 |
70 |
40 |
S++ |
S++ |
A |
S+ |
C+ |
S++
|
| 18
|
1574 |
9,708,660 |
920 |
164 |
37 |
72 |
41 |
S++ |
S++ |
A+ |
S++ |
C+ |
S++
|
| 19
|
1633 |
12,404,340 |
952 |
166 |
38 |
74 |
42 |
S++ |
S++ |
A+ |
S++ |
B |
S++
|
| 20
|
1692 |
15,626,520 |
984 |
168 |
40 |
78 |
44 |
S++ |
S++ |
S |
S++ |
B |
S+++
|
- Part Slots
- At Lv.1, this aircraft carried 25 BODY, 25 ARMS, and 25 MISC part slots. See Tuning § Slot Expansion for further information.
- Nicknames
- Upgrading this aircraft to these levels unlocked the respective nicknames for use at any time.
- Lv.3: Airway Ruler
- Lv.10: Golden Canopy
- Lv.15: Apex Predator
- Lv.20: Raptor's Claws
Named Pilots
Skin Galleries
Description
- Three-tone light Compass Ghost Gray, dark Compass Ghost Gray and Medium Gray air superiority camouflage based on the standard USAF F-22A paint.
Gallery
Description
- Three-tone dark green, green and gray forest camouflage.
Availability
Gallery
Description
- Lucijan Markovic's livery
Availability
Gallery
Description
- Two-tone Dark Blue and Aggressor Blue camouflage based on JASDF/JMSDF sea camouflage.
Availability
Gallery
Description
- Phoenix's livery from Air Combat
Availability
Gallery
Description
- Black, blue, and purple variation of "AC" Skin #01
Availability
Gallery
Description
- Zone of Endless red
Availability
Gallery
Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Legacy
- "A fighter with both stealth capabilities and thrust vectoring nozzles for superior maneuverability."
- ― Hangar
How to Unlock
- Complete mission 21: Kingpin. Costs 172,000 credits.
Statistics
Weapons
Colors
- C01: Three-tone dark Compass Ghost Gray and Medium Gray air superiority camouflage based on the standard USAF F-22A paint.
- C02: Special 1 from Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception
- C03: Three-tone light Compass Ghost Gray, dark Compass Ghost Gray and Medium Gray air superiority camouflage based on the standard USAF F-22A paint.
- C04: Blue version of C02
- C05: Silver with teal edges, potentially based on Hatsune Miku. Customizable
- C06: Green version of C02. Customizable
Named Pilots
Gallery
Ace Combat: Assault Horizon
- "This ultimate stealth fighter is the pride of the U.S. Armed Forces. Aside from flight performance, it has top class acceleration performance and a two-dimensional thrust deflect nozzle which also gives it outstanding maneuverability. Its preemptive strike power, called "first look, first shoot, first kill," is fitting for an aircraft with the name "Raptor," the master of the skies."
- ― Hangar
How to Unlock
- Complete campaign mission 11: Launch.
Statistics
- Speed: Superior
- Mobility: Superior
- Stability: Superior
- Fire Power: Superior
- Defense: Superior
Weapons
Colors
- Color 1:Three-tone light Compass Ghost Gray, dark Compass Ghost Gray and Medium Gray air superiority camouflage based on the standard USAF F-22A paint.
- Color 2: Three-tone dark green, green and gray forest camouflage.
- Color 3: Light gray fuselage with black tiger stripes.
- Color 4: Mobius One's livery
- Color 5: Antares 1's livery
- Color 6: Warwolf
- Color 7: Flash
- Color 8: THE IDOLMASTER Haruka
- Color 9: THE IDOLMASTER Haruka (Monochrome)
Gallery
An F-22A preparing for take-off
An F-22 about to take off
Ace Combat: Joint Assault
The aircraft is referred to in this game as F-22 Raptor.
- "A fighter with both stealth capabilities and thrust vectoring nozzles for superior maneuverability."
- ― Hangar
How to Unlock
- Complete mission 20: Ghost Hunt. Costs $332,000.
Statistics
- Speed: Above Average
- Air-to-Air: Superior
- Air-to-Ground: Above Average
- Mobility: Maximum
- Stability: Maximum
- Defense: Medium
Weapons[31]
- STDM x168
- LGWM x224 ― Costs 12,500 credits; Unlocked after one sortie with STDM
- HACM x112 ― Costs 21,800 credits; Unlocked after one sortie with LGWM, or two sorties with STDM
- HVWM x56 ― Costs 22,400 credits; Unlocked after one sorties with HACM, or three sorties with STDM and/or LGWM
- XMAA x32
- QAAM x17 ― Costs 41,500 credits; Unlocked after two sorties with the XMAA
- GPB x27 ― Costs 48,000 credits; Unlocked after two sorties with QAAM, or three sorties with XMAA
- SOD x24 ― Costs 79,800 credits; Unlocked after two sorties with GPB, or four sorties with XMAA and/or QAAM.
Colors
- C01: Three-tone light Compass Ghost Gray, dark Compass Ghost Gray and Medium Gray air superiority camouflage based on the standard USAF F-22A paint.
- C02: Dark gray fuselage with Light Compass Ghost Gray nose and cockpit, based on the YF-22 Lightning II.
- C03: Three-tone dark gray, gray and light gray digital camouflage.
- C04: Mobius 1's livery
- C05: Matte gray fuselage
- C06: Lucijan Markovic's livery
Named Pilots
Gallery
Color 4 with the
ISAF emblem in the hangar
Ace Combat Xi: Skies of Incursion
Gallery
Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation
- "The F-22A is a composite of the latest technologies, including the ability to cruise at supersonic speeds. This ultra-powerful 5th generation fighter is aptly titled "Air Dominance Fighter". Commanding powerful thrust and stealth technologies, the F-22A represents the leading edge of aircraft technology. As well as being dispenser munitions capable, high-performance missiles allow it to attack from beyond the range of enemy aircraft. Geared perfectly for aerial combat missions, the F-22A is a powerful preemptive fighter."
- ― Hangar
How to Unlock
- Complete campaign mission 13: The Liberation of Gracemeria.
Statistics
Weapons
Colors
Named Pilots
- Lucijan Markovic (Callsign: PEGAS)
Gallery
Another view of Lucijan flying by the bridge
Lucijan Markovic above the clouds
Skin 3 - Estovakia SP (Pegas)
Skin 4 - Gryphus Emblem <Pack 06>
Skin 5 - Mobius <Pack 03>
Skin 6 - Razgriz <Pack 08>
Skin 7 - Indigo Wing <Pack 06>
Skin 8 - The Idolmaster Haruka <Pack 06>
Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception
The aircraft is referred to in this game as F-22 Raptor.
- "A fighter with both stealth capabilities and thrust vectoring nozzles for superior maneuverability."
- ― Hangar
How to Unlock
- Complete mission 11B: In Pursuit II. Costs 51,100 credits.
Statistics
Weapons
Colors
- Aurelia: Three-tone light Compass Ghost Gray, dark Compass Ghost Gray and Medium Gray air superiority camouflage based on the standard USAF F-22A paint.
- Leasath: Dark gray fuselage with Light Compass Ghost Gray nose and cockpit, based on the YF-22 Lightning II.
- Special 1: Three-tone dark gray, gray and light gray digital camouflage.
- Special 2: Mobius One's livery
Named Pilots
- GALLERY
Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War
The aircraft is referred to in this game as F/A-22A Raptor.
- "A fighter with stealth capabilities and thrust vectoring nozzles for superior maneuverability. Designed to relieve much of the pilot's burden, the "Raptor" represents a new standard of air superiority."
- ― Hangar
How to Unlock
- Complete the campaign once with any Ace Style. Costs 181,000 in a New Game Plus.
Statistics
- Speed: 83
- Mobility: 88
- Stability: 82
- Defense: 66
- Air-to-Air: 96
- Air-to-Ground: 59
Weapons
Colors
- Standard: Three-tone light Compass Ghost Gray, dark Compass Ghost Gray and Medium Gray air superiority camouflage based on the standard USAF F-22A paint.
- Mercenary: Two-tone black and dark gray camouflage.
- Soldier: Mobius One's livery
- Knight: Three-tone gray, green and brown desert camouflage.
- Special: Dark gray fuselage with Light Compass Ghost Gray nose and cockpit, based on the YF-22 Lightning II.
Named Pilots
Gallery
Soldier color (Mobius Squadron)
Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War
The aircraft is referred to in this game as F/A-22A Raptor.
- "With a combination of stealth capabilities and superior maneuverability of its thrust vectoring nozzles, the "Raptor" lives up to its name as the ultimate air superiority fighter."
- ― Hangar
How to Unlock
- Complete campaign mission 17: Journey Home or complete Arcade Mode once in any route. Costs 24,000 per aircraft.
Statistics
- Speed: High
- Mobility: High
- Stability: High
- Defense: Medium
- Air-to-Air: High
- Air-to-Ground: Medium
Weapons
Colors
- OS: Three-tone light Compass Ghost Gray, dark Compass Ghost Gray and Medium Gray air superiority camouflage based on the standard USAF F-22A paint.
- RZ: Black fuselage with Razgriz emblem on vertical stabilizers.
- SP: Mobius One's livery. Unlocked along with this aircraft if Arcade Mode is completed once.
Named Pilots
Gallery
Razgriz color in the hangar
Ace Combat 04: Shattered Skies
- "An exceptional fighter with superior maneuverability, payload, Stealth, supersonic cruise, and thrust vectoring."
- ― Hangar
How to Unlock
- Complete mission 16: Whiskey Corridor. Costs 643,000 credits.
Statistics
- Speed: High
- Air-to-Air: High
- Air-to-Ground: High
- Mobility: High
- Stability: High
- Defense: High
Weapons
Colors
- Standard: Two-tone light blue and sky blue camouflage with gold engine nozzles, based on F-22A EMD prototype 91-4001 of the USAF.
- Erusea: Dark Compass Ghost Gray fuselage with light gray outline.
- Special: Black fuselage. Priced at 836,000 credits.
Named Pilots
Gallery
Erusean color scheme hangar
Ace Abell color scheme hangar
Trivia
- The F-22A is the most recurring aircraft on Ace Combat game covers, featured as the canon aircraft of Phoenix, Mobius 1, Gryphus One, Antares One, Colonel William Bishop and Trigger.
- In Air Combat and Ace Combat 2, the aircraft designated F-22 is actually the YF-22 Lightning II.
- In the early stages of development of Ace Combat: Assault Horizon, the F-22A bore the "TY" tailcode of Tyndall Air Force Base. Tyndall is the home to the 43rd Fighter Squadron, the first operational Raptor squadron. The final tailcode, FF, represents the 1st Fighter Wing ("Fighting First"), the first wing of the USAF that operates the aircraft.
- In Ace Combat 7, the F-22A's wreckage always feature underwing pylons which are not present under normal circumstances.
- ↑ Players could use one Nonstandard Upgrade Request Form instead of credits for the Lv.6 upgrade.
References
- ↑ "Interlude 10", Ace Combat 04: Shattered Skies.
- ↑ Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War - Assault Records #123.
- ↑ F-22A -Scarface1- description, Ace Combat Infinity.
- ↑ F-22A -Mobius1-, F-22A -Mobius2-, F-22A -Mobius3-, and F-22A -Mobius4- descriptions, Ace Combat Infinity.
- ↑ Mission 14: "Breaking Arrows", Ace Combat 04: Shattered Skies.
- ↑ Mission 26: "Sea of Chaos", Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War.
- ↑ Assault Records #13: Lucijan Markovic, Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War.
- ↑ Mission 01: "Invasion of Gracemeria", Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation.
- ↑ Mission 11: "The Moloch Desert", Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation.
- ↑ Mission 13: "The Liberation of Gracemeria", Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation.
- ↑ Mission 14: "Gracemeria Patrol", Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation.
- ↑ Mission 15: "Chandelier", Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation.
- ↑ Mission 19: "Lighthouse", Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown.
- ↑ Mission 20: "Dark Blue", Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown.
- ↑ Mission 15B: "End of Deception II", Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception.
- ↑ Mission 13B: "Armada", Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception.
- ↑ "Scene 5", Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception.
- ↑ "Scene 6", Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception.
- ↑ Standoff in the Skies II: Leasath Side.
- ↑ Photosphere, page 6.
- ↑ F-22A Raptor goes operational. U.S. Air Force. Published December 15, 2005.
- ↑ F-22A -Antares- description, Ace Combat Infinity.
- ↑ See Antares One#Trivia for information on Antares One's canon aircraft.
- ↑ The Last Ace.
- ↑ Mission 13: "Aftermath", Ace Combat: Assault Horizon.
- ↑ Mission 14: "Home Front", Ace Combat: Assault Horizon.
- ↑ Mission 15: "Hurricane", Ace Combat: Assault Horizon.
- ↑ Mission 16: "Akula", Ace Combat: Assault Horizon.
- ↑ F-22A -Reaper-, Ace Combat Infinity.
- ↑ Any Shadow Squadron appearance, Ace Combat Infinity.
- ↑ Ace Combat: Joint Assault Perfect Guidebook. 10 September 2010. Enterbrain. pp. 118; 152. ISBN 9784047267930.
Cockpit
Instruments
A Raptor on a runway
A Raptor engaging Tu-95s
Flyby
An F-22A with a number of F-15C Eagles
An F-22A and an F/A-18F Super Hornet
An F-22A being pursued by an Arsenal Bird and its MQ-101s
Flyby
An F-22A flying by an Su-30SM
An F-22A flying by an Su-30SM
An F-22A flying by an Su-30SM
F-22A firing missiles
Gameplay
Gameplay
Skin 01 - Osea
Skin 02 - Erusea
Skin 03 - Special (TEMPEST)
Skin 04 - Mage
Skin 05 - Spare
Skin 06 - Strider
Skin 07 - Mobius
Skin 08 - Phoenix
Skin 09 - Gryphus
Skin 10 - Razgriz
Skin 11 - General Resource
Skin 12 - Dision
Hangar view
Hangar view
Cockpit
Cockpit
Cockpit
Cockpit
Cockpit
Cockpit
Cockpit
Cockpit
Cockpit
Cockpit
Cockpit
Cockpit
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