The Lockheed Martin FB-22 was a proposed stealth bomber aircraft designed by Lockheed Martin as a variant of the F-22 Raptor fighter jet. The concept was unveiled in the early 2000s, with the goal of creating a multi-role bomber that could perform a variety of missions, including strike, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare. The FB-22 was designed to leverage the advanced technology and design features of the F-22, including its stealth capabilities, advanced avionics, and high-speed performance.
Design and Development
The FB-22 was designed to be a larger and more capable aircraft than the F-22, with a longer fuselage and a larger wingspan. The aircraft was intended to have a maximum takeoff weight of around 80,000 pounds, with a payload capacity of up to 30,000 pounds. The FB-22 was also designed to have a range of over 1,600 nautical miles, making it capable of performing long-range missions without the need for refueling. The aircraft was powered by two Pratt & Whitney F119 engines, which provided a combined 35,000 pounds of thrust.
Stealth Capabilities
The FB-22 was designed to have advanced stealth capabilities, including a radar-absorbing skin and a shape optimized to reduce radar cross-section. The aircraft was also designed to have a low-probability-of-intercept radar (LPIR) system, which would allow it to detect and engage enemy aircraft without being detected itself. The FB-22’s stealth capabilities were intended to make it nearly invisible to enemy radar systems, allowing it to penetrate deep into hostile territory and conduct its mission without being detected.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Length | 62.8 feet |
| Wingspan | 44.3 feet |
| Height | 17.8 feet |
| Maximum Takeoff Weight | 80,000 pounds |
| Payload Capacity | 30,000 pounds |
| Range | 1,600 nautical miles |
| Top Speed | Mach 1.8 |
Proposed Roles and Missions
The FB-22 was proposed to perform a variety of roles and missions, including strike, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare. The aircraft was designed to be capable of carrying a wide range of payloads, including precision-guided munitions, sensors, and communication equipment. The FB-22 was also intended to have advanced avionics and sensors, including an advanced electronically scanned array (AESA) radar system, which would allow it to detect and engage enemy aircraft and ground targets.
Strike Mission
The FB-22 was designed to be capable of conducting precision strike missions, using its advanced sensors and precision-guided munitions to engage enemy targets. The aircraft was intended to be able to carry a variety of payloads, including Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs) and Small Diameter Bombs (SDBs). The FB-22’s advanced stealth capabilities would have allowed it to penetrate deep into hostile territory and conduct its mission without being detected.
Reconnaissance Mission
The FB-22 was also proposed to perform reconnaissance missions, using its advanced sensors and communication equipment to gather and transmit critical information. The aircraft was designed to be capable of carrying a variety of sensors, including synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors. The FB-22’s advanced stealth capabilities would have allowed it to gather critical information without being detected.
What was the proposed role of the FB-22 in the US military?
+The FB-22 was proposed to perform a variety of roles and missions, including strike, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare. The aircraft was designed to be a multi-role bomber, capable of conducting a wide range of missions in a variety of environments.
What were the key features of the FB-22's design?
+The FB-22 was designed to have advanced stealth capabilities, including a radar-absorbing skin and a shape optimized to reduce radar cross-section. The aircraft was also designed to have a low-probability-of-intercept radar (LPIR) system, which would allow it to detect and engage enemy aircraft without being detected itself.
The Lockheed Martin FB-22 was a proposed stealth bomber aircraft that was designed to leverage the advanced technology and design features of the F-22 Raptor fighter jet. The aircraft was intended to be a multi-role bomber, capable of conducting a wide range of missions in a variety of environments. Although the FB-22 was never produced, its design and proposed capabilities provide valuable insights into the future of stealth bomber technology and the potential roles and missions of such aircraft in the US military.
