The Raptor is Now the F/A/RB-22

After the F-22's performance turned out to be so much better than anything the CIA knew of, that using it just as a "fighter" wouldn't have been sporting, the Pentagon said it would be OK to degrade its performance by adding to its mission. Hence, last year, the "F/A-22" was announced.

Now that flight tests have shown the performance of the declawed Raptor was still "too good," some of the military procurement types, always looking for ways to slow the introduction of new hardware, have hit on one more "mission enhancement" -- the newest designation will be F/A/RB-22, reflecting an added dimension (quite literally) to the Raptor.

The F/A/RB-22 will utilize the existing airframe, with an added "pod" below. That "pod" will carry an assortment of ordnance, or a combination of bombs and camera equipment; or it will hold camera and EWF equipment -- all of which will add a mere 60,000 pounds to the takeoff weight of the bird.

It Can Fly Cover for Itself on the Return Leg

In days of old, bombers frequently outflew their fighter escorts. With the "B/A/R/F-22," the newest Raptor will be covered by air-dominance machines, at least on the way back to base. That bomb-only pod will be disposable, in case the new Raptors get jumped on the flip-flop.

Cost is No Object

It's a military program -- they'll cover it somehow. In fact, Gen. Rufus Dufus, Pentagon Deputy Assistant Bean-Counter, told ANN, "Don't worry about the cost -- they'll cover it somehow."

FMI: www.dod.gov