The Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor has long held the title of the world’s most formidable air superiority fighter. Yet even this mighty fifth generation jet is undergoing enhancements to cement its dominance against emerging threats. The Raptor’s latest upgrade – the Increment 3.2B software package – is unlocking the aircraft’s full potential to unleash its inner beast.
The Raptor defines what it means to rule the skies. With unparalleled stealth, blistering speed and lethal long range air-to-air missiles, the aircraft embodies uncompromising lethality. But as new adversary capabilities arise, the Raptor requires adaptations to stay ahead of the competition.
Increment 3.2B is set to transform the F-22’s capabilities by unlocking the full functionality of its onboard sensors. At the core of the upgrade is synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology that enables radar mapping of terrain at standoff distances. This allows the Raptor to have expanded situational awareness while staring down threats from afar.
By integrating SAR modes, the F-22 gains a broader view of the operating environment without emitting signals that give away its position. Detailed SAR mapping permits identification of enemy forces, facilities and movements to a degree previously only possible at closer ranges.
Beyond SAR, Increment 3.2B improves connectivity between the Raptor and F-35, enabling fused sensor data to be shared between the stealth fighters. This network-centric improvement allows the aircraft to synergize their capabilities and coordinate lethal attacks. Acting as a team, the air dominance fighters can overwhelm adversaries from all directions.
The upgrade also enhances Electronic Warfare (EW) functionality on the F-22. Added EW attack capabilities will enable the Raptor to jam or deceive enemy radars and communications. By combining stealth, SAR modes, and EW attacks, the F-22 can wipe away any safe havens where opponents hide.
Weapons improvements round out Increment 3.2B. Integration of the advanced AIM-9X and AIM-120D air-to-air missiles bolster the F-22’s already formidable long range air combat prowess. Even more impactful is adding the ability to carry the AIM-9X internally – removing bulky pylons that compromise the Raptor’s stealth and supersonic abilities.
With these comprehensive sensor, networking, EW, and weapons upgrades, Increment 3.2B aims to open the Raptor’s full potential. Pilots will gain increased situational awareness, lethality and survivability. For adversaries, there will be no sanctuaries – the F-22 can stalk unseen, share targeting data across forces, and strike with impunity.
Unleashing this beast comes at a critical time as the United States refocuses on potential near-peer conflicts. The Increment 3.2B upgrade will enable the world’s premier air dominance fighter to meet emerging challenges from Russia and China. America’s enemies will have to live under the shadow of the Raptor’s heightened capabilities.
However, the F-22 force is relatively small at just 186 aircraft. The Raptor will need support from networked 4th generation fighters like the F-15 and F/A-18 to fulfill the demanding missions of controlling contested airspace against major adversaries. Unlocking each Raptor’s full potential magnifies the advantage of America’s 5th generation capabilities.
There is no room for complacency though. Russia and China continue developing weapons like the S-400, Su-57, and J-20 to contest America’s air superiority edge. Staying ahead will require fully optimizing each platform while pursuing new radar-evading designs that one day could replace the F-22.
For now, the Raptor remains the apex air dominance fighter thanks to continuous enhancement efforts. By unlocking the beast within through upgrades like Increment 3.2B, the F-22 will continue its reign as the greatest aerial combatant for years to come. Enemies can run but they can’t hide from the full force of American airpower.
