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.
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[1] and the Usean coup d'état in 1998.[2]
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.[3] 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. [4]
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.[12] 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.[13]
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.[19]
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.[23] 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[24] as well as countering Andrei Markov's attack on the eastern U.S.[25]
"A stealth aircraft developed as part of the Advanced Tactical Fighter program. For the sake of stealth, the aircraft carries its weapons internally, but can also carry an external weapons box. Its nickname is "Raptor"."
"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."
"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."
"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."
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."
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."
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 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.
Thrust vectoring is the ability to change the direction of thrust emitted from an engine. Aircraft with thrust vector control can perform enhanced maneuvers not available to aircraft without it.