The F-22 Raptor fighter will undergo the most extensive modernization in history and receive the secret AIM-260 JAMT missile
The US is planning to upgrade its F-22 Raptor fighter jets, and it will be the largest upgrade in history.
As part of the Raptor Agile Capability Release program, the United States Air Force plans to update the fighter’s software annually and upgrade the aircraft’s hardware from time to time. The agency says that the F-22 will be the solution to air supremacy until sixth-generation fighters appear. Let us remind you 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 first stage of R1 modernization was completed. The F-22 fighter has 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 began, which included two defensive and three offensive test missions. At the R3 stage, it is planned to expand the possibilities of the Link 16 protocol in order to ensure the possibility of communication between allies.
The main innovation for the Raptor will be the ability to use secret tactical missiles, AIM-260. By the end of the month, the US plans to conduct combat tests. The missile is being developed as part of the Joint Air Tactical Missile project.
It is expected that the AIM-260, which is being developed by the US Navy and Air Force, will surpass all modifications of the AIM-120 in terms of tactical and technical characteristics. It will be able to hit targets with 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 planes, helicopters, cruise missiles and other enemy means of defeat.
