Secret AIM-260 JATM missile and concealed fuel tanks - F-22 Raptor will undergo major upgrade

Tyndall Air Force Base recently sent an F-22 Raptor fighter jet to the museum. Its brethren are also getting ready to retire, but first they will have to undergo a major upgrade.

Here's What We Know

Once upgraded, the F-22 Raptor will become the link between the fifth- and sixth-generation fighters. Upgrades to the aircraft will include new missile pylons and concealed fuel tanks that will be located under the wings. The Raptor may also receive new electronic warfare units along with infrared search and tracking modules.

The F-22 was originally designed to fly without external fuel tanks to maintain stealth mode. However, in the event of armed conflict in the Pacific, the aircraft would not have enough fuel in its internal fuel tanks.

If desired, external tanks with a capacity of 600 gallons (2,270 liters) can be placed under the wings of the aircraft. But they significantly reduce the fighter's visibility. Retrofitting will help solve that problem. The new fuel tanks will increase the F-22 Raptor's range without sacrificing stealth mode.

Another innovation will be the AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM). This is a secret long-range air-to-air missile. It is being developed by Lockheed Martin to replace the AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM).

The maximum range of AIM-260 will be 200 km. Carriers of the missile, besides F-22 Raptor will be two more fighters: F-35 Lightning II and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet.

Source: Business Insider
Image: The Drive, AF