In an era of next-generation fighters, AI copilots, and sixth-gen dreams flying under classified designations, there’s one aircraft that still dominates the conversation—the F-22 Raptor.
It’s been called the best air superiority fighter ever built. And for good reason.
But now, with the announcement of the F-47—America’s next stealth fighter under the NGAD program—many are asking:
Is it finally time to retire the Raptor?
Not so fast.
In my latest video, Raptor’s Revenge, I explore why the F-22 may be aging… but it’s far from obsolete. Here’s a taste of what you’ll see:
🔥 The Fighter Everyone Still Fears
The Raptor wasn’t just the first fifth-gen fighter—it’s still the standard. Every stealth jet that’s come since, from China’s J-20 to our own F-35, is measured against it. With its thrust-vectoring agility, long-range AIM-260 missiles, and unmatched stealth profile, the F-22 was built to win the fight before it even starts.
🧪 The Secret Testbed for the Future
What few realize is how deeply the Raptor has been tied into the development of what’s coming next. Beginning in the late 2010s, modified F-22s began flying classified test missions—many believe in support of NGAD’s early development. That means the F-22 didn’t just inspire the F-47… it may have built it.
⚠️ Cracks in the Crown
Still, the Raptor has limits. It lacks an IRST system. Its combat range—optimized for European theaters—isn’t ideal for Pacific operations. And with fewer than 150 airworthy jets in the fleet, this apex predator is being stretched to the limit.
So what’s next?
🎥 Watch the Full Story: Raptor’s Revenge
▶️ Watch the full video here:
[Insert Embedded YouTube Video]
In this video, I take you through the full story—past, present, and future. From the Raptor’s reign to its role in shaping the F-47, to the real consequences of retiring it too early. This one hits hard—and I hope it leaves you thinking.
💥 Final Thought:
You don’t measure a fighter by its age…
You measure it by what it can still do.
And the Raptor?
Still trains our best.
Still owns the sky.
Still hunts.
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