As the start of the 2024 International Air and Space Fair (FIDAE 2024) in Santiago, Chile draws closer, new details about participants and air displays are emerging. Undoubtedly, one of the main attractions of the fair will be the presence of the F-22 Raptor demonstration team from the United States Air Force (USAF).
The F-22 Demo Team, based at Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Hampton, Virginia, conducted its first air demonstration in 2007 at Tyndall Air Force Base. Demonstrating the capabilities and maneuverability of the USAF’s fifth-generation fighter ever since, the team has performed 250 demonstrations around the world.
Regarding FIDAE specifically, the Demo Team has participated in the 2010, 2016, 2018, and 2022 editions. Thanks to an official publication from the international fair organization, it has been confirmed that in this edition, taking place from April 9th to 14th at the north side of Arturo Merino Benítez Airport, the F-22 from the United States Air Force will once again grace the skies of Santiago, Chile.
About the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor
The Lockheed Martin F-22A Raptor is the primary combat aircraft of the USAF and is considered one of the most advanced in the world. With a value of $143 million, its combination of stealth, supercruise, supermaneuverability, and integrated avionics represents a significant advancement in air-to-air and air-to-ground combat capabilities.
With a wingspan of 13.6 meters and a maximum takeoff weight of 38,000 kilograms, the F-22 Raptor features a sophisticated sensor subsystem and an AN/APG-77 AESA radar that allows the pilot to track, identify, and destroy threats before being detected.
In its air-to-air configuration, the F-22 can carry AIM-120 AMRAAM and AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, while in the air-to-ground configuration, it can internally carry 1,000-pound JDAM GBU-32 bombs. Additionally, it is equipped with a 20mm Glating M61A2 cannon.
Powered by two Pratt & Whitney F119-PW-100 turbofan engines with afterburners and thrust vectoring nozzles, the F-22 Raptor can achieve twice the speed of sound with supercruise and supermaneuverability capability. These features, combined with its advanced aerodynamic design and flight controls, make it one of the most capable combat aircraft in service today.
*Photographs: Presentation of the F-22 Demo Team at the 2018 edition of FIDAE.
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