Extremely rare ultraexclusive look inside the cockpit of the F-22 Raptor
- The F-22 Raptor is one of the most iconic aircraft in the US Air Force’s fleet
- The F-22 Demo Team released never-before-seen footage of what it’s like to be in the cockpit of this fighter jet
- It’s exhilarating to watch the jet flip, dive and spin while reaching speeds of Mach 2.0
Published on May 10, 2024 at 2:14 PM (UTC+4)
by Andie Reeves
Last updated on May 24, 2024 at 6:44 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Alessandro Renesis
The F-22 Raptor is one of the most iconic aircraft in the US Air Force’s fleet.
This modern-day fighter jet blends stealth technology with supersonic speeds.
For many people, the exhilaration of piloting this incredible machine would be a dream come true
Luckily, the F-22 Raptor Demo Team released a video providing a rare insight into the jet’s cockpit.
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Production of the Air Force’s F-22 Raptor ceased in 2011, but the fleet is kept in perfect condition.
It’s capable of incredibly feats, including the Power Loop where the jet rotates through the air while remaining stationary at a single point in the sky.
The twin-engine fighter jet is unparalleled when it comes to dogfighting, or single-aircraft combat.
It’s stealth capabilities are also something to behold, able to go virtually undetected on enemy radar.
This means the F-22 Raptor can basically detect, reach and destroy its target before the enemy pilot even knows its nearby.
The aircraft is equipped with an M61 Vulcan 20mm rotary cannon alongside two AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, complemented by nearly six AIM-120 radar-guided missiles
To demonstrate its prowess in the skies, the Air Force regularly showcases the Raptor in air shows.
It makes performing a backflip look like something out of a video game.
For the first time ever, the F-22 Demo Team has released footage of what the cockpit of this jet looks like.
They placed a camera in the cockpit with the pilot, and it’s thrilling to watch.
“When you think about inspiring the next generation, being able to provide a unique perspective and a rare glimpse into what the F-22 Demo Team does behind the scenes has been one of our goals,” Major Paul Lopez, the pilot, said.
“We’re happy to deliver a product that’s going to give you a perspective of what it’s like to be in the cockpit while the pilot is flying a Raptor demonstration.”
After a smooth takeoff, the jet performs a series of turns, spins and dives.
The F-22 is known to fly in sync with other Air Force aircraft, and for this occasion did so with one from the World War II era.
Flying in formation with this heritage plane showcased the years of excellent builds the US Air Force has under its belt.
The pilot appeared calm and collected in the bubble, an incredible feat given the fact that the Raptor reaches speeds of Mach 2.0.
Allowing the public such a close-up perspective of this jet is a big deal, in a world that is typically shrouded in secrecy.
“Can’t wait for the day the instrument panel is declassified,” one commenter said.
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Andie is a content writer from South Africa with a background in broadcasting and journalism. Starting her career in the glossy pages of Cosmopolitan and Marie Claire, Andie has a broad portfolio, covering everything from sustainability solutions to celebrity car collections. When not at her laptop Andie can be found sewing, recording her podcast, taking board games too seriously or road-tripping in her bright green Kia.