The US plans to upgrade the F-22 Raptor fighters, and this will be the most extensive upgrade in history.
What
Known
Through the Raptor Agile Capability ProgramRelease The United States Air Force plans to update the fighter software annually and improve aircraft hardware from time to time. The agency says the F-22 will be the air supremacy solution until sixth-generation fighters arrive. We recall that they are being developed by the US Air Force together with aircraft manufacturing companies as part of the NGAD (Next-Generation Air Dominance) project.
In mid-August 2021, the firststage of modernization R1. The F-22 fighter received support for the Link 16 data transfer protocol. Now it can share data not only with other F-22s, but also with other aircraft.
A year ago, the R2 phase started, in whichcompleted two defensive and three offensive test missions. At stage R3, it is planned to expand the capabilities of the Link 16 protocol to enable communication between allies.
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The main innovation for the Raptor will bethe ability to use secret tactical missiles AIM-260. By the end of the month, the United States plans to conduct combat tests. The missile is being developed as part of the Joint Air Tactical Missile project.
It is expected that AIM-260, over the creation of whichthe US Navy and Air Force operate, will surpass in performance characteristics all modifications of the AIM-120. It will be able to hit targets at a distance of up to 200 km. The maximum speed of the AIM-260 will be Mach 5 or 6174 km/h. The missile will be able to intercept aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles and other enemy weapons.
Source: The Drive, Defense Express
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