FB-22
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The FB-22 (Sometimes called the Strike Raptor) is a proposed United States Air Force (USAF) bomber aircraft, derived from the F-22 Raptor and intended to replace the F-15E Strike Eagle. It would precede a next-generation strike aircraft entering service after 2037. Former Secretary of the Air Force James Roche is said to be one of its strongest proponents.
The FB-22 differs from the original F-22 design significantly. A lengthened fuselage provides greater fuel capacity and a much larger internal weapons bay, better suiting long range attack missions. The elongated delta wing and deletion of tailplanes coupled with a possible change to the General Electric/Rolls-Royce F136 engines would allow for a higher top-speed, sacrificing some maneuverability for better bombing performance. Unlike the similar-looking X-44 MANTA, the FB-22 would rely on wing control surfaces and would likely have fixed engine nozzles.
Although officially cancelled in the most recent Quadrennial Defense Review, the FB-22 will most likely be revived as an entrant to a new USAF proposal for a bomber with strategic capabilities (note that, especially with miniaturized munitions a strategic bomber no longer has to be of great size) to become operational by 2018; in order to achieve such an ambitious EIS date, an aircraft based on an already proven platform (such as the FB-22) may be desired.[1]
Related research is currently being under taken to develop a stealth ordinance pod and hardpoints. This would allow the F-22, and any aircraft it spwans to carry a far greater amoung of ordinance than the internal bays alone. While still allowing the craft to maintain its stealth characteristics. These pods are intended to use stealth shaping, and carry ordinance internally. Opening to release the munitions, then discarding along with the hardpoints if the situation requires.
