Hobby Master HA2823 | Lockheed F-22A Raptor "Mirror Coating", 04-4065, 422nd TES, November 2021

General Background:

The USAF developed a requirement for a new air superiority fighter to replace the F-15 Eagle. Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF). The aircraft is constructed using 39% titanium, 24% composite material, 16% aluminum and 1% thermoplastic by weight. All these components contribute to the F-22 being a light weight, extremely maneuverable, extremely fast aircraft that uses stealth technology. The F-22 is also capable of ground attack, electronic warfare and signals intelligence.

The Aircraft:

F-22A 04-4065 was delivered in 2006 and is the first of two aircraft belonging to the 422 Test and Evaluation Squadron (TES) that have been seen wearing a special mirror-like finish. The coating on the first aircraft appears to be comprised of larger mirror tiles than the second aircraft. The first sighting of 04-4065 took place on November 19, 2021 at Nellis AFB and the second, 04-4070 on March 17, 2022. As to the purpose of this new covering, there is only speculation at this point. Stealth??

Planned Production - 750 aircraft initial program objective

Altered plan in 1990 - 648 aircraft
Altered plan in 1994 - 442 aircraft
In 1997 Department of Defense report – 339 aircraft
In 2006 the Pentagon wanted -183 aircraft
2008 approval for 4 additional aircraft bringing the total to 187
Number built as of August 2009 - 145 (187 planned)
Role - Air superiority fighter
Crew – (1) pilot
Performance
Engines – (2) Pratt & Whitney F119-PW-100 engines producing 35,000 lbst of thrust

Speed - Mach 1.8 (super cruise: Mach 1.5)
G Limit - +9 G
Ceiling - 60,000 ft (18,290 m)
The F-22 and other fighters can reach this altitude, but only the F-22 can perform tactical maneuvers at this level, which is about twice the altitude at which other jets can perform tactical maneuvers.
Dimensions
Length - 62.08 ft (18.90 m)
Height -16.67 ft (5.08 m)
Wingspan - 44.5 ft (13.56 m)
Wing Area - 840 sq ft (78.04 sq m)
Horizontal Tail-span - 29 ft (8.84 m) Weights Empty Weight - 31,670 lb (14,365 kg)
Maximum Takeoff Weight - 60,000 lb (27,000 kg)
Armament Internal (1) 20mm Cannon
(4) AIM-9 Sidewinders (side weapon bays)
(4) AIM-120A AMRAAM (internal ventral bay)
(6) AIM-120Cs (internal ventral bay)
(6) GBU-32 JDAM PGMs (internal ventral bay)
(8) GBU-39 Small Diameter Bombs (250lbs ea)
External (4) under-wing hard-points with a maximum of 5,000lbs (2,270kg) of mission-specific weaponry or fuel drop-tanks.