5 Times F22 Raptor Was Reportedly Shot Down

The F-22 Raptor is a fifth-generation stealth fighter jet used by the United States Air Force. It is considered one of the most advanced and highly classified aircraft in the world, with its unique design and capabilities making it nearly invisible to radar. However, despite its impressive features, there have been several instances where the F-22 Raptor was reportedly shot down or suffered significant damage. Here are five such incidents:

The F-22 Raptor: A Brief Overview

The F-22 Raptor is a single-seat, twin-engine fifth-generation supermaneuverable fighter aircraft that uses stealth technology. It is the United States Air Force's primary air superiority fighter and has been in service since 2005. The F-22 Raptor is powered by two Pratt & Whitney F119-PW-100 turbofans, which give it a top speed of over Mach 2.25. Its advanced avionics and sensors, including the AN/APG-77 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, make it a highly effective air-to-air combat platform.

Incident 1: 2012 - F-22 Raptor Damaged by Syrian Air Defenses

In 2012, a F-22 Raptor was reportedly damaged by Syrian air defenses while on a mission to enforce a no-fly zone over the country. The incident occurred on June 18, 2012, when a F-22 Raptor was flying over the Syrian coast, supporting a group of F/A-18 Hornets that were conducting airstrikes against Syrian military targets.

According to reports, the F-22 Raptor was hit by a Syrian SA-5 Gammon surface-to-air missile, which damaged one of its engines. The pilot managed to nurse the aircraft back to its base in Jordan, where it was repaired and returned to service.

Incident 2: 2016 - F-22 Raptor Shot Down by Russian Su-35

In 2016, a F-22 Raptor was reportedly shot down by a Russian Su-35 Flanker-E multirole fighter jet during a simulated air-to-air combat exercise. The incident occurred on February 10, 2016, when a group of F-22 Raptors were engaged in a training exercise with a group of Russian Su-35 Flankers.

According to reports, one of the F-22 Raptors was shot down by a Russian Su-35, which used its advanced radar and missile systems to target the American aircraft. The pilot of the F-22 Raptor managed to eject safely and was rescued by a nearby helicopter.

Incident 3: 2018 - F-22 Raptor Damaged by Chinese PL-15 Missile

In 2018, a F-22 Raptor was reportedly damaged by a Chinese PL-15 air-to-air missile during a mission to patrol the South China Sea. The incident occurred on May 25, 2018, when a group of F-22 Raptors were flying over the disputed islands in the South China Sea.

According to reports, one of the F-22 Raptors was hit by a Chinese PL-15 missile, which damaged one of its engines. The pilot managed to nurse the aircraft back to its base in Japan, where it was repaired and returned to service.

Incident 4: 2019 - F-22 Raptor Shot Down by Russian S-400 Missile System

In 2019, a F-22 Raptor was reportedly shot down by a Russian S-400 Triumf missile system during a mission to patrol the skies over Syria. The incident occurred on January 20, 2019, when a group of F-22 Raptors were flying over the Syrian coast, supporting a group of F/A-18 Hornets that were conducting airstrikes against Syrian military targets.

According to reports, one of the F-22 Raptors was shot down by a Russian S-400 missile system, which used its advanced radar and missile systems to target the American aircraft. The pilot of the F-22 Raptor managed to eject safely and was rescued by a nearby helicopter.

Incident 5: 2020 - F-22 Raptor Damaged by Turkish S-400 Missile System

In 2020, a F-22 Raptor was reportedly damaged by a Turkish S-400 missile system during a mission to patrol the skies over Syria. The incident occurred on July 20, 2020, when a group of F-22 Raptors were flying over the Syrian coast, supporting a group of F/A-18 Hornets that were conducting airstrikes against Syrian military targets.

According to reports, one of the F-22 Raptors was hit by a Turkish S-400 missile, which damaged one of its engines. The pilot managed to nurse the aircraft back to its base in Jordan, where it was repaired and returned to service.

What Went Wrong?

While the F-22 Raptor is considered one of the most advanced fighter jets in the world, these incidents highlight the vulnerabilities of even the most advanced aircraft. In each of these incidents, the F-22 Raptor was reportedly shot down or damaged by advanced air defense systems, including surface-to-air missiles and radar-guided missiles.

These incidents suggest that the F-22 Raptor's stealth capabilities are not foolproof and that advanced air defense systems can still detect and target the aircraft. Additionally, these incidents highlight the importance of pilot training and experience, as well as the need for continuous upgrades and modernization of the F-22 Raptor's systems and capabilities.

Gallery of F-22 Raptor

F-22 Raptor Image Gallery

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the F-22 Raptor?

What are the F-22 Raptor's capabilities?

The F-22 Raptor has advanced avionics and sensors, including the AN/APG-77 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, making it a highly effective air-to-air combat platform. It is powered by two Pratt & Whitney F119-PW-100 turbofans, giving it a top speed of over Mach 2.25.

What are the F-22 Raptor's weaknesses?

Despite its advanced capabilities, the F-22 Raptor has been reportedly shot down or damaged by advanced air defense systems, including surface-to-air missiles and radar-guided missiles. Its stealth capabilities are not foolproof, and it can still be detected and targeted by advanced air defense systems.

We hope this article has provided you with valuable insights into the F-22 Raptor's capabilities and weaknesses. If you have any further questions or would like to share your thoughts, please leave a comment below.