>Lockheed Martin has presented a scale model of the new-look F-22 Raptor fitted with stealthy external fuel tanks and underwing infrared sensor pods. Up to this point, the fuel tanks had been seen in renderings as well as at least one long-distance photo that revealed little in the way of details.>Most obvious on the model are the new stealthy fuel tanks, a critical addition to ensure that the F-22 is able to better cover the vast distances that would be involved in a potential future conflict in the Indo-Pacific. In the past, the Raptor’s notoriously short range has been mitigated by using non-stealthy 600-gallon tanks, but these are not a realistic option when faced by more capable hostile air defenses. They are, however, a regular fit for the Raptors that sit alert in Alaska, which need the wing tanks for their intercept missions that can cover vast distances over long periods.>Sitting outboard of the fuel tanks are another set of stealthy pods, these ones containing a highly capable infrared search and track (IRST) system. A sensor of this kind was intended for the F-22 when it was first drafted, before being dropped on cost grounds, something that we discussed in detail in this previous report on the topic.So this is the F-22 "Super" that POTUS was referring to? Why didn't they install EOTS like the F-35?: https://www.twz.com/air/upgraded-f-22-raptor-2-0-details-seen-in-new-model
>stealthy fuel tanks>thoseThe fuck happened to the conformals, the6 never figured it out or what?
>>64900903>Why didn't they install EOTS like the F-35?Because it isn't going to be dropping Paveways and LJDAMs that need the EOTS laser ranging and targeting functionsIt says it has an IRST in the pods. IRST being the function of EOTS in air-to-air roles.
>>64900929Still is a tacked on solution
>>64900915Maybe they're planning to actually drop the drop tanks? Then they'd be stealthier than with conformals when they're in combat range.
>>64900935Because EOTS has shown podded systems are better for this application. The F-35's internal imaging capabilities have become outdated compared to the latest Sniper and Litening pods, and are a pain in the ass to modernise because they're embedded in the jet
What's the issue exactly? Stealthy fuel tanks were used extensively in the Israel-Iran war last year with success. I don't think anybody believes these are meant to be a true BlockX Raptor. They're just there to cover a potential weakness for INDOPACOM until F-47 deliveries arrive in a few years.
>>64900947Would be neat if the tanks changed RCS return to look like something else>see F18 rolling in>it vanishes off radar>oops all Raptor
>>64901038I'd imagine that even with non-stealth tanks, the F-22 would still be stealthier than an FA-18. I think the idea of the stealth tanks would be to keep it stealthy enough at long range that it can't be reliably detected, so instead of seeing a blip that disappears you just don't see anything.
>>64900903Uh oh
>>64900903Well well well...
LOL
>>64901221>>64901209they really have stepped up their game lately
>>64900903>underwing infrared sensor podsI'm pretty sure those are these enclosed L/O weapons pods that Lockheed was cooking up
>>64901185Why are these pictures always so low res?
>>64901237Those were never weapon pods. There was speculation they could be when they were first spotted on a test flight, but any official information has always had it as an IRST system.
>>64901237Weapon pods? What are you smoking?The F-22 had the infrared capability cut, it has no way to detect stealth fighters, the GaA radar it has is quite outdated and low power compared to current chinese 2nd gen GaN on SiC substrate, not to speak of the 3rd gen GaN on SiC with AlN middle layer or GaN/GaO on diamond.It desperately needs some infrared, and that's what these pods are.Feels like too little too late though.
