F-22 Raptor

An illustrated guide to the most deadly production fighter aircraft in the world

The Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor entered service in 2005, and production ended in late 2011. Despite the appearance of many new designs in the interim, an argument can still be made for the Raptor as the most advanced fighter aircraft on active duty today.

Primarily due to its stealth capabilities, the F-22 program remains somewhat secretive. Despite a high public profile, under 200 examples were built and some of its systems remain classified. The plane is strictly prohibited from export to allied powers, and the aircraft cannot be exported from the US. The F-22 has seen combat in Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan and even shot down the infamous "Chinese spy balloon" off the coast of South Carolina in February 2023. 

F-22 Raptor provides a concise pictorial history of the aircraft, from its design and development to its adoption, combat duty, and even use as a exhibition aircraft with the Raptor demo team. Included are many original, previously unpublished photographs from the author's personal collection.