F-22 Gets New Weapons Overhaul – New Attack Possibilities

by Kris Osborn  President, Center for Military Modernization

The Air Force and  Lockheed Martin have developed several new weapons for the F-22 Raptor to equip the stealth fighter with more long-range precision attack technology, a wider targeting envelope or “field of regard,” and new networking technology enabling improved, real-time “collaborative targeting” between aircraft.

Readiness for the F-22, senior Air Force officials explain, hinges upon a new software delivery strategy that sees incremental improvements less as “products” for pre-planned, spread apart adjustments – but rather a steady continuous “pipeline” of\The two new weapons, which have been under testing and development for several years now, are advanced variants of existing weapons – the AIM-9X air-to-air missile and the AIM 120-D. Upgraded variants of each are now operational.

The new AIM-9X will shoot farther and reach a much larger targeting envelope for pilots. Working with a variety of helmets and display systems, Lockheed developers have added “off-boresight” targeting ability enabling pilots to attack enemies from a wide range of new angles. Raytheon’s AIM-9X weapons developers have told WarriorMaven that the Block 2 variant adds a redesigned fuze and a digital ignition safety device that enhances ground handling and in-flight safety.

Block II also features updated electronics that enable significant enhancements, including lock-on-after-launch capability using a new weapon datalink to support beyond visual range engagements, a Raytheon statement said.

Another part of the weapons upgrade includes engineering the F-22 to fire the AIM-120D, a beyond visual range Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM), designed for all weather day-and-night attacks; it is a “fire and forget” missile with active transmit radar guidance, Raytheon data states.

The AIM-120D is built with upgrades to previous AMRAAM missiles by increasing attack range, GPS navigation, inertial measurement units, and a two-way data link, a Raytheon statement explains.

As the Air Force and Lockheed Martin move forward with weapons envelope expansions and enhancements for the F-22, there is a commensurate need to upgrade software and its onboard sensors to adjust to emerging future threats, industry developers explained. Ultimately, this effort will lead the Air Force to draft up requirements for new F-22 sensors.