The Chinese spy balloon that flew over the United States this week became the first
What is known
Used to destroy the balloonAIM-9X Sidewinder missile. In addition to the F-22 Raptor, a KC-135 Stratotanker air tanker, a P-8A Poseidon patrol aircraft and a Lockheed HC-130 rescue aircraft were seen near the scene.
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The Chinese authorities have already responded to the destructionballoon. The Department of Foreign Affairs filed a protest against the use of force by the United States to attack the facility, which was a "civilian unmanned balloon."
In China, they say that the balloon flew into the territoryUnited States by accident, and his task was to carry out meteorological and scientific research. Because of the strong wind, he deviated from the course and flew into the territory of another country.
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American authorities announced that the balloonused to monitor US strategic targets. President Joe Biden on February 1 ordered the immediate destruction of the balloon. The military waited until he flew to the ocean, after which they shot him down.
Now back to the F-22 Raptor.He became the first fighter of the fifth generation. Serial production began in 1997 and ended 14 years later. In September 2014, the US Air Force first used the F-22 in Syria. The aircraft was also used in Afghanistan, but in both cases, its tasks included the bombing of ground targets.
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Cost of the F-22 Raptor development programamounted to almost $67 billion excluding serial production (+$7 billion). The fighter is equipped with two F119-PW-100 engines from Pratt & Whitney. The maximum speed is 2410 km/h (Mach 2.25), and the cruising speed is 850 km/h (Mach 0.8).