F-22 blasts off with powerful performance demonstrating agility and skill.

The F-22 Raptor is a fifth generation Stealth Fighter Jet designed and manufactured by Lockheed Martin. Development of the YF-22 began in 1986 with the aircraft entering service in 2005 and was later renamed the F-22A. The following year, the F-22 later received the prestigious Collier Trophy administered by the U.S. National Aeronautic Association (NAA).

Powering the Raptor are two turbofan engines in conjunction with thrust vectoring. Thrust vectoring nozzles redirect the engine’s thrust by 20 degrees, which improves the pilot control over the pitch of the aircraft’s nose. According to several sources, Thrust Vectoring also increases the aircraft’s roll rate by 50%. The Raptor is the first USAF fighter with the ability to cruise at super sonic speeds without the need to use the afterburner. This quality is commonly referred to as Supercruise.

The F-22 possesses a sophisticated sensor suite allowing the pilot to track, identify, shoot and kill air-to-air threats before being detected. [Source: af.mil] To maintain a Stealth profile, the F-22 conceals all armaments inside the aircraft. At 4:37, the pilot opens the weapon bay doors as the aircraft passes show center. Thunder Over Michigan 2016 marks the First F-22 Raptor Demo display in the event’s history. This rare performance is one of only 23 appearances for the F-22 Team’s 2016 North America Tour. At the end of the video, you will witness the heritage flight featuring the F-22 Raptor and P-51 Mustang.

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