An increase in PTC interoperability with foreign railroad locomotives has provided for some colorful sets of power on BNSF's busy Southern Transcon. One such example is this clean Canadian Pacific leader on eastbound ocean containers snaking along the red sandstone mesas near the Continental Divide. It's not quite Warbonnet red, but it's a nice change from the constant orange parade!

CP 8072 East - S LHWLPC 2 - Coolidge, NM

EN: Not without some teething problems was the introduction of the new Golden Pass Express trainsets which are interoperable on 1000mm and 1435mm gauge rails. After a year in service they are running more or less on time now. Here we see PE4069 hauled by Re 465 012 on the standard gauge section from Interlaken Ost to Zweisimmen. The train has just passed Burgholz.

DE: Nicht ohne Kinderkrankheiten verlief die Einführung des Golden Pass Express - des sowohl auf Meterspur wie auch auf Normalspur einsetzbaren Zuges der MOB. Nach einem Jahr Einsatz laufen die Züge aber inzwischen mehr oder weniger pünktlich. Gezogen von der Re 465 012 hat PE4069 auf seinem Weg von Interlaken Ost nach Zweisimmen gerade Burgholz passiert.

With NS/BNSF PTC Interoperability, stumbling upon foreign leaders becomes more frequent.

Locomotive 2626 with train 31327 from Contumil to Famalicão, dynamic catenary tests with new interoperable 25 kV pantograph for the Iberian Peninsula.

From 1957 to 1987, cross-border trains of high-quality operated in Europe under the name Trans-Europ-Express and connected the most important cities with each other. The network stretched from Spain to Denmark and from Holland to Austria. There was no standard vehicle, and each country endeavored to develop and use interoperable cross-border vehicles. The trains, most of which were locomotive-hauled, had to be reserved and only had first-class seats.

In addition to the German, French and Italian wagons, the majority of trains in Switzerland were Swiss-made multiple units. For example, RAm TEE type diesel multiple units were used on non-electrified lines to Amsterdam, Paris and Munich and RAe TEE II on the electrified lines to Milan and Paris. Only 5 of each type were built.

The RAe TEE shown here is the last survivor of this era in Switzerland. The RAe TEE II was reconditioned by SBB Historic and is now occasionally used for special trips throughout Switzerland.

PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 22, 2021) Aviation Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class Von Prion, a native of Clovis, California, reviews maintenance instructions for an F/A-18F Super Hornet, assigned to the “Bounty Hunters” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 2, aboard Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet to enhance interoperability through alliances and partnerships while serving as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Erin C. Zorich)

JAVA SEA (Dec. 18, 2022) Amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) transits the Java Sea during a formation exercise with ships from Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL) during Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT)/Marine Exercise (MAREX) Indonesia 2022, Dec. 18, 2022. This year marks the 28th iteration of CARAT, a multinational exercise series designed to enhance U.S. and partner navies' abilities to operate together in response to traditional and non-traditional maritime security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, comprised of amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) and amphibious transport dock USS Anchorage (LPD 23) and USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26), operates in U.S. 7th Fleet with the embarked 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit to enhance interoperability with Allies and partners and serve as a ready-response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kendra Helmbrecht)

PHILIPPINE SEA (March 14, 2019) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Milius (DDG 69) fires its mark 45 5 inch gun during a live-fire gunnery exercise with other U.S. Navy warships. U.S. Navy warships train together to increase the tactical proficiency, lethality and interoperability of participating units in an era of great power competition. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Rufus Hucks/Released)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (April 8, 2021) – A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 164 (Reinforced), 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, takes off from the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8). The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 15th MEU are operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Patrick Crosley)

If you want to look at a medical paper with pictures, then this is your lucky day! Any doctors want to comment on this study?

“All of the abnormal blood samples of injected persons, the 948 cases, showed tubular/fibrous formations and frequently also crystalline and lamellar formations with extremely complex but consistently similar morphologies across all of the patients with abnormal blood samples. Our results are so similar to those of Lee et al. (2022) that it could be claimed that, except for our innovative application of dark-field microscopy to mark the foreign metal-like objects in the blood of mRNA injections from Pfizer or Moderna, we have replicated the blood work of the Korean doctors with a much larger sample. Our findings, however, are bolstered by their parallel analysis of the fluids in vials of the mRNA concoctions alongside centrifuged plasma samples from the cases they studied intensively. What seems plain enough is that metallic particles resembling graphene oxide and possibly other metallic compounds, like those discovered by Gatti and Montanari (Montanari & Gatti, 2016; Gatti & Montanari, 2012, 2017, 2018), have been included in the cocktail of whatever the manufacturers have seen fit to put in the so-called mRNA “vaccines”. In our experience as clinicians, these mRNA injections are very unlike traditional “vaccines” and their manufacturers need, in our opinions, to come clean about what is in the injections and why it is there.”

ijvtpr.com/index.php/IJVTPR/article/view/47/95

Ezekiel 6:12 “The one who lives far away will die by pestilence and the one who is near will die violently. The survivors and their surveillance details will die by famine as I exhaust My rage against them.”

Now here’s a bonus! Isn’t it interesting to watch as the stage is being set to fulfill End Time Bible Prophecy? Don’t forget your biometric digital ID, don’t leave home without it tattooed to your face!

Gates Foundation: $200 million to expand global Digital Public Infrastructure:

“This funding will help expand infrastructure that low- and middle-income countries can use to become more resilient to crises such as food shortages, public health threats, and climate change, as well as to aid in pandemic and economic recovery. This infrastructure encompasses tools such as interoperable payment systems, digital ID, data-sharing systems, and civil registry databases.”

www.gatesfoundation.org/ideas/media-center/press-releases...

Bill Gates: “The world today has 6.8 billion people—that’s headed up to about 9 billion. Now if we do a really great job on new vaccines, health care, reproductive health services, we could lower that by perhaps 10 or 15 percent.”

www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtkfWaCzsas

2 Timothy 3:13 “Evil people and impostors will become worse, deceiving and being deceived.”

Repent, for the end is near!

PHILIPPINE SEA (Feb. 19, 2022) An F-35C Lightning II, assigned to the "Black Knights" of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314, makes an arrested landing on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham Lincoln Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in U.S. 7th Fleet to enhance interoperability through alliances and partnerships while serving as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Michael Singley)

A U.S. Air Force General Dynamics (its aviation unit now part of Lockheed Martin) F-16 "Fighting Falcon" assigned to the 18th Aggressor Squadron receives in-flight fuel from a U.S. Air Force Boeing KC-135 "Stratotanker" during "Exercise Cope North 17", March 2, 2017. The exercise includes 22 total flying units and more than 2,700 personnel from three countries and continues the growth of strong, interoperable relationships within the Indo-Asia-Pacific region through integration of airborne and land-based command and control assets.

SOUTH PACIFIC OCEAN (Jan. 25, 2022) Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Sampson (DDG 102) is underway as it is positioned to conduct lifesaving actions in support of disaster relief efforts in Tonga. Sampson is operating in the South Pacific to support international relief efforts in Tonga. Sampson is on a scheduled deployment in U.S. 7th Fleet to enhance interoperability with alliances and partnerships while serving as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Naval Aircrewmen 2nd Class John Allen)

ANCON, Peru (Sept. 29, 2021) U.S. Marine Corps light armored vehicles with Special Marine Air-Ground Task Force – UNITAS get loaded onto a Navy landing craft, air cushion on Miramar beach during UNITAS LXII. UNITAS is the world's longest-running maritime exercise. Hosted this year by Peru, it brings together multinational forces from 20 countries and includes 29 ships, four submarines, and 20 aircraft conducting operations off the coast of Lima and in the jungles of Iquitos. The exercise trains forces to conduct joint maritime operations and focuses on strengthening partnerships and increasing interoperability and capability between participating naval and marine forces. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Hannah Hall)

PHILIPPINE SEA (April 14, 2020) An MV-22B Osprey, assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 (Reinforced) prepares to take off from amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). America, flagship of the America Expeditionary Strike Group, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit team, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

PHILIPPINE SEA (Oct. 4, 2021) Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Charleston (LCS 18) transits during routine operations. Charleston, part of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7, is on a rotational deployment operating in U.S. 7th Fleet to enhance interoperability with partners and serve as a ready-response force in support of free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ryan M. Breeden)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Dec. 29, 2021) Aviation Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class Tecia Delacruz, a native of Dallas, Texas, observes an F414-GE-400 jet engine test on the fantail of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in U.S. 7th Fleet to enhance interoperability through alliances and partnerships while serving as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Isaiah B. Goessl)

An Apache attack helicopter pilot of 4 REGT AAC inspects his aircraft while he awaits tasking.

British airborne forces are training alongside NATO counterparts to develop their ability to work together to deliver a Swift Response to international crises.

16 Air Assault Brigade is on Exercise Swift Response, which brings together more than 5,000 personnel from 10 nations and takes place in Poland and Germany between May 27-June 26, 2016.. .Under the command of Headquarters 16 Air Assault Brigade some 2,000 troops took part, the largest British contingent to deploy on a NATO exercise in 2016. ..The joint force included 3 PARA Battlegroup, including engineer, artillery, logistics, signals, medical, provost and ISTAR support; Apache attack helicopters from 4 Regiment Army Air Corps; and RAF Chinook and Puma support helicopters and C-130 Hercules transport aircraft...The training involved mass parachute jumps and air assault operations as part of a simulated mission to restore stability to a troubled region. It is key to developing interoperability with 82nd Airborne Division and 11e Brigade Parachutiste, the Brigade’s key partners in the US and French armies respectively, as well as wider allies.

-------------------------------------------------------

© Crown Copyright 2014

Photographer: Cpl Rob Travis RAF

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PHILIPPINE SEA (March 10, 2018) A Standard Missile (SM-2) is launched from the forward-deployed guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54) as part of a missile training exercise during Multisail 18. MultiSail is a bilateral training exercise improving interoperability between the U.S. and Japanese forces. This exercise benefits from realistic, shared training enhancing our ability to work together to confront any contingency. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class William McCann/Released)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 20, 2021) An F-35B Lightning II fighter attack aircraft from VMFA 211, embarked on the Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth (R08), takes off from the flight deck of forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) during flight operations between the Queen Elizabeth and America. America, flagship of the America Expeditionary Strike Group, along with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jomark A. Almazan)

CORAL SEA (July 20, 2021) An aviation boatswain mate handler ground guides an F-35B Lightning II with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 attached to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), during Talisman Sabre on the flight deck aboard the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). The F-35B Lightning II’s fifth generation strike fighter capabilities bring more lethality and flexibility to combat commanders than any other aircraft platform. Australian and U.S. forces combine biannually for Talisman Sabre, a month-long multi-domain exercise that strengthens allied and partner capabilities to respond to the full range of Indo-Pacific security concerns. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of America Expeditionary Strike Group in the 7th fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. John Tetrault)

Apache Attack Helicopter from 4 Regiment Air Air Corps taking of for mission tasking over Hohenfels Training Area.

British airborne forces are training alongside NATO counterparts to develop their ability to work together to deliver a Swift Response to international crises.

16 Air Assault Brigade is on Exercise Swift Response, which brings together more than 5,000 personnel from 10 nations and takes place in Poland and Germany between May 27-June 26, 2016.. .Under the command of Headquarters 16 Air Assault Brigade some 2,000 troops took part, the largest British contingent to deploy on a NATO exercise in 2016. ..The joint force included 3 PARA Battlegroup, including engineer, artillery, logistics, signals, medical, provost and ISTAR support; Apache attack helicopters from 4 Regiment Army Air Corps; and RAF Chinook and Puma support helicopters and C-130 Hercules transport aircraft...The training involved mass parachute jumps and air assault operations as part of a simulated mission to restore stability to a troubled region. It is key to developing interoperability with 82nd Airborne Division and 11e Brigade Parachutiste, the Brigade’s key partners in the US and French armies respectively, as well as wider allies.

-------------------------------------------------------

© Crown Copyright 2014

Photographer: Cpl Rob Travis RAF

Image 45160070.jpg from www.defenceimages.mod.uk

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SOUTH CHINA SEA (Sept. 5, 2022) Seaman Quyntyn Galbreath, from Red Springs, N.C., stands lookout watch on the starboard bridge wing aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Higgins (DDG 76). Higgins is participating in multi-lateral exercises in support of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's Indo-Pacific deployment, along with the Royal Australian Navy and Royal Canadian Navy. Routine multi-lateral exercises like this one reassure our allies and partners of the U.S. commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific. Higgins is assigned to Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy's largest forward-deployed DESRON and U.S. 7th fleet's principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Donavan K. Patubo)

PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 17, 2021) Sailors assigned to forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) and Marines assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) conduct flight operations during a long-range raid exercise. America, flagship of the America Expeditionary Strike Group, along with the 31st MEU, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Vincent E. Zline)

ANCON, Peru (Sept. 29, 2021) U.S. Marines with Special Marine Air-Ground Task Force – UNITAS watch from a light armored vehicle as a Navy landing craft, air cushion approaches Miramar beach during UNITAS LXII. UNITAS is the world’s longest-running annual multinational maritime exercise that focuses on enhancing interoperability among multiple nations and joint forces during littoral, amphibious and Amazonian operations in order to build on existing regional partnerships and create new enduring relationships that promote peace, stability and prosperity in the U.S. Southern Command’s area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Hannah Hall)

South Korea (March 19, 2023) - The Republic of Korea and U.S. conduct a combined aerial exercise in conjunction with the deployment of U.S. B-1B strategic bombers over the Republic of Korea, March 19, 2023. Combined flight operations provide the U.S. and its allies the opportunity to improve interoperability and demonstrate a combined defense capability. The U.S. remains committed to peace and prosperity through the region to secure a free and open Indo-Pacific. Our commitment to the defense of the Republic of Korea remains ironclad. (U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt. Cameron Silver) 230319-F-AP963-1002

** Interested in following U.S. Indo-Pacific Command? Engage and connect with us at www.facebook.com/indopacom | twitter.com/INDOPACOM | www.instagram.com/indopacom | www.flickr.com/photos/us-pacific-command; | www.youtube.com/user/USPacificCommand | www.pacom.mil/ **

YOKOSUKA, Japan (Aug. 28, 2021) Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), arrives at Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka for a scheduled port visit. Carl Vinson, homeported in San Diego, and the accompanying Carrier Strike Group (CSG 1), are deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet to enhance interoperability with partners and serve as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Zenaida Roth)

PHILIPPINE SEA (June 13, 2021) Aviation Electrician’s Mate 3rd Class Garrett Cates, from Irvine, Calif., directs a MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter during flight operations aboard Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Tulsa (LCS 16). Tulsa, part of Destroyer Squadron Seven, is on a rotational deployment operating in the U.S. 7th fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with partners and serve as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Colby A. Mothershead)

Three EA-6B Prowlers belonging to each Prowler squadron aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point conducted a "Final Four" division flight aboard the air station March 1, 2016. The "Final Four" flight is the last time the Prowler squadrons will be flying together before the official retirement of Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Training Squadron 1 at the end of Fiscal Year 16 and the eventual transition to "MAGTF EW". MAGTF EW is a more distributed strategy where every platform contributes to the EW mission, enabling relevant tactical information to move throughout the electromagnetic spectrum and across the battlefield faster than ever before.

(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. N.W. Huertas/Released)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 24, 2022) A CH-53 Super Stallion, assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 (Reinforced), flies over amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7). Tripoli is operating in U.S. 7th Fleet to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Peter Burghart)

PHILIPPINE SEA (April 26, 2022) Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) transits the Philippine Sea. Abraham Lincoln Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in U.S. 7th Fleet to enhance interoperability through alliances and partnerships while serving as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Thaddeus Berry)

As troops wait for the next element, a helmet is put aside next to a GPMG.

British airborne forces are training alongside NATO counterparts to develop their ability to work together to deliver a Swift Response to international crises.

16 Air Assault Brigade is on Exercise Swift Response, which brings together more than 5,000 personnel from 10 nations and takes place in Poland and Germany between May 27-June 26, 2016.. .Under the command of Headquarters 16 Air Assault Brigade some 2,000 troops took part, the largest British contingent to deploy on a NATO exercise in 2016. ..The joint force included 3 PARA Battlegroup, including engineer, artillery, logistics, signals, medical, provost and ISTAR support; Apache attack helicopters from 4 Regiment Army Air Corps; and RAF Chinook and Puma support helicopters and C-130 Hercules transport aircraft...The training involved mass parachute jumps and air assault operations as part of a simulated mission to restore stability to a troubled region. It is key to developing interoperability with 82nd Airborne Division and 11e Brigade Parachutiste, the Brigade’s key partners in the US and French armies respectively, as well as wider allies.

-------------------------------------------------------

© Crown Copyright 2014

Photographer: Cpl Rob Travis RAF

Image 45160149.jpg from www.defenceimages.mod.uk

This image is available for high resolution download at www.defenceimagery.mod.uk subject to the terms and conditions of the Open Government License at www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/. Search for image number 45160149.jpg

For latest news visit www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-defence

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U.S. Air Force, French air force and Royal air force fly in formation during ATLANTIC TRIDENT 17 near Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., April 26, 2017. The exercise simulated a highly-contested, degraded and operationally-limited environment where U.S. pilots, allied pilots and ground crews tested their readiness, enhanced interoperability through combined operations, to develop new tactics, techniques and procedures. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Natasha Stannard)

SOLOMON SEA (Aug. 4, 2021) An F-35B with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121 attached to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), prepares for landing aboard the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). The F-35B’s fifth generation strike fighter capabilities bring more lethality and flexibility to combatant commanders than any other aircraft platform. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of America Expeditionary Strike Group in the 7th fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. John Tetrault)

Gunnery Sgt. Dragos Coca engages targets during a desert survival and tactics course. Coca is a platoon sergeant with 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. Elements of the 15th MEU trained with the 5th Overseas Combined Arms Regiment in Djibouti from Sept. 21 to Oct. 7 in order to improve interoperability between the MEU and the French military.

(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Steve H. Lopez/Released)

Pictured is an RAF Atlas (A400-M) at night during Operation Mobility Guardian.

RAF Aeromedical Evacuation Teams, working alongside Royal Australian Air Force, Royal New Zealand Air Force and United States Air Force Teams, utilising an RAF A400 Aircraft and UK working practices during Exercise Mobility Guardian. ..An RAF Atlas aircraft, and RAF movements personnel, have been transporting US Military vehicles on Exercise Mobility Guardian. Operating from Joint Base Lewis McChord, and Moses Lake Airfield, they have transported Humvee ambulance variants (pictured) and Stryker Command Vehicles...A Royal Air Force Atlas, Aeromedical Evacuation and Force Protection personnel training with Allies and Partners from over 30 countries on Exercise Mobility Guardian, the largest exercise of its type in the world...Hosted by the US Air Force’s Air Mobility Command, over 50 aircraft and 3000 personnel from over 30 nations gathered at Joint Base Lewis McChord near Seattle for an exercise designed to test and improve how international partners and allies conduct humanitarian relief operations...Security for the airfield was provided by a team of Force Protection specialists led by No 2 Squadron, RAF Regiment supported by RAF Police, reservists from the RAuxAF Regiment and personnel from Australia and Belgium...This was the first time an RAF A400M Atlas has taken part in a major exercise giving personnel the opportunity to experience the aircraft’s capabilities in a realistic operational environment and to train for complex, modern air operations alongside NATO partners, key allies and international partners.

-------------------------------------------------------

© Crown Copyright 2014

Photographer: SAC Nicholas Egan RAF

Image 45162818.jpg from www.defenceimages.mod.uk

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PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 19, 2022) Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Deandre Begaye, from Shiprock, N.M., operates an aircraft tow tractor on the flight deck aboard amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7). Tripoli is operating in U.S. 7th Fleet to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Peter Burghart)

PHILIPPINE SEA (May 17, 2022) Sailors direct the launch of an F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to the "Tophatters" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 14, on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham Lincoln Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in U.S. 7th Fleet to enhance interoperability through alliances and partnerships while serving as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Michael Singley)

BAY OF BENGAL (Oct. 17, 2021) Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS The Sullivans (DDG 68), U.K. Royal Navy Richmond-class frigate HMS Richmond (F 239), and Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Champlain (CG 57) sail together as part of Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX) 2021, Oct. 17, 2021. MPX 2021 is a multilateral maritime exercise between the Royal Australian Navy, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, U.K. Royal Navy and U.S. maritime forces, focused on naval cooperation, interoperability and regional security and stability in the Indo-Pacific and is an example of the enduring partnership between Australian, Japanese, U.K. and U.S. maritime forces who, who routinely operate together in the Indo-Pacific, fostering a cooperative approach toward regional security and stability. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Erin C. Zorich)

Pvt. Draven Pancake, infantryman of 3rd Battalion, 69th Armored Regiment, 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division and native of Petersburg, Ind., fires an M320 grenade launcher at a range in the Estonian Army Training Area, Nov. 2. Despite windy conditions, all Soldiers managed to adjust and qualify, hitting targets ranging from 200 to 350 meters away. These activities are part of the U.S. Army Europe-led Operation Atlantic Resolve land force assurance training taking place across Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland to enhance multinational interoperability, strengthen relationships among allied partners, contribute to regional stability and demonstrate U.S. commitment to NATO allies.

Two Japan Ground Self-Defense soldiers and two Marines emerge from the water while practicing small unit level techniques and procedures as part of the Japan Observer Exchange Program at Kin Blue beach, Japan, July 16, 2014. The soldiers are with JGSDF's Western Army and the Marines are with Company L, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. The JGSDF soldiers have been observing L Co. for approximately six weeks. JOEP enables the JGSDF observation and education of small unit concepts, tactics, and amphibious operations to further enhance the interoperability of the two forces and security of the region. (U.S. Marine Photo by Cpl. Henry Antenor)

Mojave Mayhem

A Royal Air Force Chinook, from RAF Odiham, inserts troops from 40 Commando Royal Marines onto a mountain peak in the Mojave Desert during Exercise Black Alligator. Exercise Black Alligator has demonstrated UK Defence interoperability between RAF Chinook Crews, Army Air Corps Apaches and Royal Marine ground troops, whilst working in demanding, austere conditions in the Californian desert. All three forces worked out of Camp Wilson, at United States Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Centre in Twenty Nine Palms.

SAC Nicholas Egan is an RAF Photographer currently based at ACSSU Photo Operations, RAF Halton. After joining the RAF in 2011, he has previously served at Aldergrove Flying Station in Northern Ireland, and RAF Odiham before moving to his current post in February 2017.

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© Crown Copyright 2017

Photographer: SAC Nicholas Egan RAF

Image Mojave Mayhem.jpg from www.defenceimages.mod.uk

Use of this image is subject to the terms and conditions of the MoD News Licence at www.defenceimagery.mod.uk/fotoweb/20121001_Crown_copyrigh...

PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 17, 2021) An MV-22B Osprey from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) takes off from the flight deck of forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) during a long-range raid exercise. America, flagship of the America Expeditionary Strike Group, along with the 31st MEU, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Thomas B. Contant)

U.S. Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Rein), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, fire 20 millimeter rounds at a ground target while participating in a close air support mission during exercise Ssang Yong 2014 on April 1, 2014. Exercise Ssang Yong is conducted annually in the Republic of Korea (ROK) to enhance the interoperability of U.S. and ROK forces by performing a full spectrum of amphibious operations while showcasing sea-based power projection in the Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Katelyn Hunter/Released).

Read more: www.dvidshub.net/image/1216450/ssang-yong-2014#.Uzxp_cdRH...

PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 19, 2022) Capt. John Kiefaber, commanding officer of amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), left, runs through pre-flight checks in an MH-60S Sea Hawk, assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23 on the flight deck. Tripoli is operating in U.S. 7th Fleet to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Peter Burghart)

One U.S. Air Force Boeing B-52H-165-BW "Stratofortress" (sn 61-0004) bomber and two Koku Jieitai (Japan Air Self-Defense Force) (航空自衛隊 Kōkū Jieitai) F-15 fighters execute a routine bilateral training mission in the vicinity of Japan, July 26, 2018. This mission was flown in support of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command’s Continuous Bomber Presence (CBP) operations, which are a key component to improving combined and joint service interoperability. Bilateral training missions such as this allow the two countries to improve upon combined capabilities, tactical skills, and relationships.

SOUTH CHINA SEA (Jan. 30, 2022) A Sailor looks out at the South China Sea from the hangar bay aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham Lincoln Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in 7th Fleet to enhance interoperability through alliances and partnerships while serving as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Julia Brockman)

Lockheed Martin F-22 "Raptor's" assigned to the 90th Fighter Squadron, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, taxi to their parking location at the Royal Australian Air Force Base Amberley flightline for 'Exercise Talisman Sabre 19', July 9. TS19 provides effective and intense training to ensure U.S. Forces are combat ready, capable, interoperable, and deployable on short notice.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor is a fifth-generation, single-seat, twin-engine, all-weather stealth tactical fighter aircraft developed for the United States Air Force (USAF). The result of the USAF's Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF) program, the aircraft was designed primarily as an air superiority fighter, but also has ground attack, electronic warfare, and signal intelligence capabilities. The prime contractor, Lockheed Martin, built most of the F-22s airframe and weapons systems and conducted final assembly, while Boeing provided the wings, aft fuselage, avionics integration, and training systems.

The aircraft was variously designated F-22 and F/A-22 before it formally entered service in December 2005 as the F-22A. Despite its protracted development and various operational issues, USAF officials consider the F-22 a critical component of the service's tactical air power. Its combination of stealth, aerodynamic performance, and situational awareness enable unprecedented air combat capabilities.

Service officials had originally planned to buy a total of 750 ATFs. In 2009, the program was cut to 187 operational production aircraft due to high costs, a lack of clear air-to-air missions due to delays in Russian and Chinese fighter programs, a ban on exports, and development of the more versatile F-35. The last F-22 was delivered in 2012.

Development

Origins

In 1981, the U.S. Air Force identified a requirement for an Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF) to replace the F-15 Eagle and F-16 Fighting Falcon. Code named Senior Sky, this air-superiority fighter program was influenced by emerging worldwide threats, including new developments in Soviet air defense systems and the proliferation of the Su-27 Flanker- and MiG-29 Fulcrum-class of fighter aircraft. It would take advantage of the new technologies in fighter design on the horizon, including composite materials, lightweight alloys, advanced flight control systems, more powerful propulsion systems, and most importantly, stealth technology. In 1983, the ATF concept development team became the System Program Office (SPO) and managed the program at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. The demonstration and validation (Dem/Val) request for proposals (RFP) was issued in September 1985, with requirements placing strong emphasis on stealth and supercruise. Of the seven bidding companies, Lockheed and Northrop were selected on 31 October 1986. Lockheed teamed with Boeing and General Dynamics while Northrop teamed with McDonnell Douglas, and the two contractor teams undertook a 50-month Dem/Val phase, culminating in the flight test of two technology demonstrator prototypes, the YF-22 and the YF-23, respectively.

Dem/Val was focused on risk reduction and technology development plans over specific aircraft designs. Contractors made extensive use of analytical and empirical methods, including computational fluid dynamics, wind-tunnel testing, and radar cross-section calculations and pole testing; the Lockheed team would conduct nearly 18,000 hours of wind-tunnel testing. Avionics development was marked by extensive testing and prototyping and supported by ground and flying laboratories. During Dem/Val, the SPO used the results of performance and cost trade studies conducted by contractor teams to adjust ATF requirements and delete ones that were significant weight and cost drivers while having marginal value. The short takeoff and landing (STOL) requirement was relaxed in order to delete thrust-reversers, saving substantial weight. As avionics was a major cost driver, side-looking radars were deleted, and the dedicated infra-red search and track (IRST) system was downgraded from multi-color to single color and then deleted as well. However, space and cooling provisions were retained to allow for future addition of these components. The ejection seat requirement was downgraded from a fresh design to the existing McDonnell Douglas ACES II. Despite efforts by the contractor teams to rein in weight, the takeoff gross weight estimate was increased from 50,000 lb (22,700 kg) to 60,000 lb (27,200 kg), resulting in engine thrust requirement increasing from 30,000 lbf (133 kN) to 35,000 lbf (156 kN) class.

Each team produced two prototype air vehicles for Dem/Val, one for each of the two engine options. The YF-22 had its maiden flight on 29 September 1990 and in flight tests achieved up to Mach 1.58 in supercruise. After the Dem/Val flight test of the prototypes, on 23 April 1991, Secretary of the USAF Donald Rice announced the Lockheed team as the winner of the ATF competition. The YF-23 design was considered stealthier and faster, while the YF-22, with its thrust vectoring nozzles, was more maneuverable as well as less expensive and risky. The aviation press speculated that the Lockheed team's design was also more adaptable to the U.S. Navy's Navalized Advanced Tactical Fighter (NATF), but by 1992, the Navy had abandoned NATF.

Production and procurement

As the program moved to full-scale development, or the Engineering & Manufacturing Development (EMD) stage, the production version had notable differences from the YF-22, despite having a broadly similar shape. The swept-back angle of the leading edge was decreased from 48° to 42°, while the vertical stabilizers were shifted rearward and decreased in area by 20%. To improve pilot visibility, the canopy was moved forward 7 inches (18 cm), and the engine intakes moved rearward 14 inches (36 cm). The shapes of the wing and stabilator trailing edges were refined to improve aerodynamics, strength, and stealth characteristics. Increasing weight during development caused slight reductions in range and maneuver performance.

Prime contractor Lockheed Martin Aeronautics manufactured the majority of the airframe and performed final assembly at Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta, Georgia; program partner Boeing Defense, Space & Security provided additional airframe components as well as avionics integration and training systems. The first F-22, an EMD aircraft with tail number 4001, was unveiled at Marietta, Georgia, on 9 April 1997, and first flew on 7 September 1997. Production, with the first lot awarded in September 2000, supported over 1,000 subcontractors and suppliers from 46 states and up to 95,000 jobs, and spanned 15 years at a peak rate of roughly two airplanes per month. In 2006, the F-22 development team won the Collier Trophy, American aviation's most prestigious award. Due to the aircraft's advanced nature, contractors have been targeted by cyberattacks and technology theft.

The USAF originally envisioned ordering 750 ATFs at a total program cost of $44.3 billion and procurement cost of $26.2 billion in fiscal year (FY) 1985 dollars, with production beginning in 1994. The 1990 Major Aircraft Review led by Secretary of Defense Dick Cheney reduced this to 648 aircraft beginning in 1996. By 1997, funding instability had further cut the total to 339, which was again reduced to 277 by 2003. In 2004, the Department of Defense (DoD) further reduced this to 183 operational aircraft, despite the USAF's preference for 381. A multi-year procurement plan was implemented in 2006 to save $15 billion, with total program cost projected to be $62 billion for 183 F-22s distributed to seven combat squadrons. In 2008, Congress passed a defense spending bill that raised the total orders for production aircraft to 187.

The first two F-22s built were EMD aircraft in the Block 1.0 configuration for initial flight testing, while the third was a Block 2.0 aircraft built to represent the internal structure of production airframes and enabled it to test full flight loads. Six more EMD aircraft were built in the Block 10 configuration for development and upgrade testing, with the last two considered essentially production quality jets. Production for operational squadrons consisted of 37 Block 20 training aircraft and 149 Block 30/35 combat aircraft; one of the Block 35 aircraft is dedicated to flight sciences at Edwards Air Force Base.

The numerous new technologies in the F-22 resulted in substantial cost overruns and delays. Many capabilities were deferred to post-service upgrades, reducing the initial cost but increasing total program cost. As production wound down in 2011, the total program cost is estimated to be about $67.3 billion, with $32.4 billion spent on Research, Development, Test and Evaluation (RDT&E) and $34.9 billion on procurement and military construction (MILCON) in then year dollars. The incremental cost for an additional F-22 was estimated at about $138 million in 2009.

Ban on exports

The F-22 cannot be exported under US federal law to protect its stealth technology and other high-tech features. Customers for U.S. fighters are acquiring earlier designs such as the F-15 Eagle and F-16 Fighting Falcon or the newer F-35 Lightning II, which contains technology from the F-22 but was designed to be cheaper, more flexible, and available for export. In September 2006, Congress upheld the ban on foreign F-22 sales. Despite the ban, the 2010 defense authorization bill included provisions requiring the DoD to prepare a report on the costs and feasibility for an F-22 export variant, and another report on the effect of F-22 export sales on U.S. aerospace industry.

Some Australian politicians and defense commentators proposed that Australia should attempt to purchase F-22s instead of the planned F-35s, citing the F-22's known capabilities and F-35s delays and developmental uncertainties. However, the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) determined that the F-22 was unable to perform the F-35s strike and close air support roles. The Japanese government also showed interest in the F-22 for its Replacement-Fighter program. The Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) would reportedly require fewer fighters for its mission if it obtained the F-22, thus reducing engineering and staffing costs. However, in 2009 it was reported that acquiring the F-22 would require increases to the Japanese government's defense budget beyond the historical 1 percent of its GDP. With the end of F-22 production, Japan chose the F-35 in December 2011. Israel also expressed interest, but eventually chose the F-35 because of the F-22s price and unavailability.

Production termination

Throughout the 2000s, the need for F-22s was debated, due to rising costs and the lack of relevant adversaries. In 2006, Comptroller General of the United States David Walker found that "the DoD has not demonstrated the need" for more investment in the F-22, and further opposition to the program was expressed by Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, Deputy Secretary of Defense Gordon R. England, Senator John McCain, and Chairman of U.S. Senate Committee on Armed Services Senator John Warner. The F-22 program lost influential supporters in 2008 after the forced resignations of Secretary of the Air Force Michael Wynne and the Chief of Staff of the Air Force General T. Michael Moseley.

In November 2008, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates stated that the F-22 was not relevant in post-Cold War conflicts such as irregular warfare operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, and in April 2009, under the new Obama Administration, he called for ending production in FY2011, leaving the USAF with 187 production aircraft. In July, General James Cartwright, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, stated to the Senate Committee on Armed Services his reasons for supporting termination of F-22 production. They included shifting resources to the multirole F-35 to allow proliferation of fifth-generation fighters for three service branches and preserving the F/A-18 production line to maintain the military's electronic warfare (EW) capabilities in the Boeing EA-18G Growler. Issues with the F-22s reliability and availability also raised concerns. After President Obama threatened to veto further production, the Senate voted in July 2009 in favor of ending production and the House subsequently agreed to abide by the 187 production aircraft cap. Gates stated that the decision was taken in light of the F-35s capabilities, and in 2010, he set the F-22 requirement to 187 aircraft by lowering the number of major regional conflict preparations from two to one.

In 2010, USAF initiated a study to determine the costs of retaining F-22 tooling for a future Service Life Extension Program (SLEP). A RAND Corporation paper from this study estimated that restarting production and building an additional 75 F-22s would cost $17 billion, resulting in $227 million per aircraft, or $54 million higher than the flyaway cost. Lockheed Martin stated that restarting the production line itself would cost about $200 million. Production tooling and associated documentation were subsequently stored at the Sierra Army Depot, allowing the retained tooling to support the fleet life cycle. There were reports that attempts to retrieve this tooling found empty containers, but a subsequent audit found that the tooling was stored as expected.

Russian and Chinese fighter developments have fueled concern, and in 2009, General John Corley, head of Air Combat Command, stated that a fleet of 187 F-22s would be inadequate, but Secretary Gates dismissed General Corley's concern. In 2011, Gates explained that Chinese fifth-generation fighter developments had been accounted for when the number of F-22s was set, and that the U.S. would have a considerable advantage in stealth aircraft in 2025, even with F-35 delays. In December 2011, the 195th and final F-22 was completed out of 8 test EMD and 187 operational aircraft produced; the aircraft was delivered to the USAF on 2 May 2012.

In April 2016, the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) Tactical Air and Land Forces Subcommittee proposed legislation that would direct the Air Force to conduct a cost study and assessment associated with resuming production of the F-22. Since the production halt directed in 2009 by then Defense Secretary Gates, lawmakers and the Pentagon noted that air warfare systems of Russia and China were catching up to those of the U.S. Lockheed Martin has proposed upgrading the Block 20 training aircraft into combat-coded Block 30/35 versions as a way to increase numbers available for deployment. On 9 June 2017, the Air Force submitted their report to Congress stating they had no plans to restart the F-22 production line due to economic and operational issues; it estimated it would cost approximately $50 billion to procure 194 additional F-22s at a cost of $206–$216 million per aircraft, including approximately $9.9 billion for non-recurring start-up costs and $40.4 billion for aircraft procurement costs.

Upgrades

The first aircraft with combat-capable Block 3.0 software flew in 2001. Increment 2, the first upgrade program, was implemented in 2005 for Block 20 aircraft onward and enabled the employment of Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM). Certification of the improved AN/APG-77(V)1 radar was completed in March 2007, and airframes from production Lot 5 onward are fitted with this radar, which incorporates air-to-ground modes. Increment 3.1 for Block 30 aircraft onward provided improved ground-attack capability through synthetic aperture radar mapping and radio emitter direction finding, electronic attack and Small Diameter Bomb (SDB) integration; testing began in 2009 and the first upgraded aircraft was delivered in 2011. To address oxygen deprivation issues, F-22s were fitted with an automatic backup oxygen system (ABOS) and modified life support system starting in 2012.

Increment 3.2 for Block 35 aircraft is a two-part upgrade process; 3.2A focuses on electronic warfare, communications and identification, while 3.2B includes geolocation improvements and a new stores management system to show the correct symbols for the AIM-9X and AIM-120D. To enable two-way communication with other platforms, the F-22 can use the Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) as a gateway. The planned Multifunction Advanced Data Link (MADL) integration was cut due to development delays and lack of proliferation among USAF platforms. The F-22 fleet is planned to start receiving Increment 3.2B as well as a software upgrade for cryptography capabilities and avionics stability in May 2019. A Multifunctional Information Distribution System-Joint (MIDS-J) radio that replaces the current Link-16 receive-only box is expected to be operational by 2020. Subsequent upgrades are also focusing on having an open architecture to enable faster future enhancements.

In 2024, funding is projected to begin for the F-22 mid-life upgrade (MLU), which is expected to include new sensors and antennas, hardware refresh, cockpit improvements, and a helmet mounted display and cuing system. Other enhancements being developed include IRST functionality for the AN/AAR-56 Missile Launch Detector (MLD) and more durable stealth coating based on the F-35s.

The F-22 was designed for a service life of 8,000 flight hours, with a $350 million "structures retrofit program". Investigations are being made for upgrades to extend their useful lives further. In the long term, the F-22 is expected to be superseded by a sixth-generation jet fighter to be fielded in the 2030s.

Design

Overview

The F-22 Raptor is a fifth-generation fighter that is considered fourth generation in stealth aircraft technology by the USAF.[91] It is the first operational aircraft to combine supercruise, supermaneuverability, stealth, and sensor fusion in a single weapons platform. The F-22 has four empennage surfaces, retractable tricycle landing gear, and clipped delta wings with reverse trailing edge sweep and leading edge extensions running to the upper outboard corner of the inlets. Flight control surfaces include leading-edge flaps, flaperons, ailerons, rudders on the canted vertical stabilizers, and all-moving horizontal tails (stabilators); for speed brake function, the ailerons deflect up, flaperons down, and rudders outwards to increase drag.

The aircraft's dual Pratt & Whitney F119-PW-100 augmented turbofan engines are closely spaced and incorporate pitch-axis thrust vectoring nozzles with a range of ±20 degrees; each engine has maximum thrust in the 35,000 lbf (156 kN) class. The F-22s thrust-to-weight ratio at typical combat weight is nearly at unity in maximum military power and 1.25 in full afterburner. Maximum speed without external stores is approximately Mach 1.8 at military power and greater than Mach 2 with afterburners.

The F-22s high cruise speed and operating altitude over prior fighters improve the effectiveness of its sensors and weapon systems, and increase survivability against ground defenses such as surface-to-air missiles. The aircraft is among only a few that can supercruise, or sustain supersonic flight without using fuel-inefficient afterburners; it can intercept targets which subsonic aircraft would lack the speed to pursue and an afterburner-dependent aircraft would lack the fuel to reach. The F-22s thrust and aerodynamics enable regular combat speeds of Mach 1.5 at 50,000 feet (15,000 m). The use of internal weapons bays permits the aircraft to maintain comparatively higher performance over most other combat-configured fighters due to a lack of aerodynamic drag from external stores. The aircraft's structure contains a significant amount of high-strength materials to withstand stress and heat of sustained supersonic flight. Respectively, titanium alloys and composites comprise 39% and 24% of the structural weight.

The F-22s aerodynamics, relaxed stability, and powerful thrust-vectoring engines give it excellent maneuverability and energy potential across its flight envelope. The airplane has excellent high alpha (angle of attack) characteristics, capable of flying at trimmed alpha of over 60° while maintaining roll control and performing maneuvers such as the Herbst maneuver (J-turn) and Pugachev's Cobra. The flight control system and full-authority digital engine control (FADEC) make the aircraft highly departure resistant and controllable, thus giving the pilot carefree handling.

Stealth

The F-22 was designed to be highly difficult to detect and track by radar. Measures to reduce radar cross-section (RCS) include airframe shaping such as alignment of edges, fixed-geometry serpentine inlets and curved vanes that prevent line-of-sight of the engine faces and turbines from any exterior view, use of radar-absorbent material (RAM), and attention to detail such as hinges and pilot helmets that could provide a radar return. The F-22 was also designed to have decreased radio emissions, infrared signature and acoustic signature as well as reduced visibility to the naked eye. The aircraft's flat thrust-vectoring nozzles reduce infrared emissions of the exhaust plume to mitigate the threat of infrared homing ("heat seeking") surface-to-air or air-to-air missiles. Additional measures to reduce the infrared signature include special topcoat and active cooling of leading edges to manage the heat buildup from supersonic flight.

Compared to previous stealth designs like the F-117, the F-22 is less reliant on RAM, which are maintenance-intensive and susceptible to adverse weather conditions. Unlike the B-2, which requires climate-controlled hangars, the F-22 can undergo repairs on the flight line or in a normal hangar. The F-22 has a Signature Assessment System which delivers warnings when the radar signature is degraded and necessitates repair. While the F-22s exact RCS is classified, in 2009 Lockheed Martin released information indicating that from certain angles the aircraft has an RCS of 0.0001 m² or −40 dBsm – equivalent to the radar reflection of a "steel marble". Effectively maintaining the stealth features can decrease the F-22s mission capable rate to 62–70%.

The effectiveness of the stealth characteristics is difficult to gauge. The RCS value is a restrictive measurement of the aircraft's frontal or side area from the perspective of a static radar. When an aircraft maneuvers it exposes a completely different set of angles and surface area, potentially increasing radar observability. Furthermore, the F-22s stealth contouring and radar absorbent materials are chiefly effective against high-frequency radars, usually found on other aircraft. The effects of Rayleigh scattering and resonance mean that low-frequency radars such as weather radars and early-warning radars are more likely to detect the F-22 due to its physical size. However, such radars are also conspicuous, susceptible to clutter, and have low precision. Additionally, while faint or fleeting radar contacts make defenders aware that a stealth aircraft is present, reliably vectoring interception to attack the aircraft is much more challenging. According to the USAF an F-22 surprised an Iranian F-4 Phantom II that was attempting to intercept an American UAV, despite Iran's assertion of having military VHF radar coverage over the Persian Gulf.

Pictured is a member of the Grenadier Guards armed with a GPMG taking part in Exercise Noble Jump 17...A joint Air Assault exercise with the American 1st Battalion, 3 Aviation Regiment, 12 Combat Aviation Brigade. The troops practised joint operations and interoperability...Exercise Noble Jump 17 is a logistical challenge that tests the ability of all the participants to deliver a fighting force to wherever it is needed. ..All movements were controlled by NATO's Multi-National Division South East HQ, based in Bucharest. The VJTF is kept on short notice to move and is able to deploy a powerful well-trained force within days. This year, it is being led by the UK's 20 Armoured Brigade. ..Overseeing the VJTF’s training at Cincu was a combination of Joint Force Command Naples, Multi-National division South East and the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps.

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