F-22's first combat mission is a success. What is its airpower impact over the next 10 years?

Capt Brandon Charters — Thu, 25 Sep 2014 20:04:02 -0400

We are finally seeing the Raptor in action after recent ISIS airstrikes. Really interested in hearing your thoughts on the combat role our F-22 will play in the next 10 years. Is it worth the cost? Will it fill a necessary void?
Excited to hear your input.

After Years of Trouble, F-22 1st Combat Mission a 'Success'

The F-22 Raptor, the most expensive fighter in the world, undertook and successfully completed a combat mission for the first time ever Monday in Syria.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 25 at 2014 11:50 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 25 Sep 2014 23:50:01 -0400

While the raptor is probably an excellent aircraft I'm not too sure we can afford to operate it on a large scale. It's simply too expensive to start with. Too expensive to maintain. Too expensive to operate - plus it can't seem to operate without a huge retinue. All in all, I think it's time to shut this puppy down, strip it for parts and set it in the boneyard with the other over priced airframes.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Sep 26 at 2014 2:32 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Fri, 26 Sep 2014 02:32:30 -0400

At 300 million a pop, I hope it is up for the task. That's a lot of OH-58D's. Don't mind me....I'm just bitter.

Response by Sgt Packy Flickinger made Sep 26 at 2014 3:08 AM

Sgt Packy Flickinger — Fri, 26 Sep 2014 03:08:36 -0400

There are some analyst who think the f22 has already been surpassed by several aircraft. The Russian 35 being one. Damn I hope it's not true.

Response by Lt Col Skip Fleshman made Sep 26 at 2014 11:37 AM

Lt Col Skip Fleshman — Fri, 26 Sep 2014 11:37:30 -0400

The US will maintain complete and unchallenged air superiority for the next decade, likely longer.

Response by Sgt Packy Flickinger made Sep 27 at 2014 2:52 AM

Sgt Packy Flickinger — Sat, 27 Sep 2014 02:52:41 -0400

Why would they use such a specialized air to air fighter for ground attack? F18, A10, Apache, Cobra, B2 would all seem more efficient

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 27 at 2014 12:59 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 27 Sep 2014 12:59:24 -0400

Hallelujah! The tax payers are finally getting some pay off on these aircraft as they seemed to be more trouble than they were worth.

Response by SPC David S. made Sep 27 at 2014 1:17 PM

SPC David S. — Sat, 27 Sep 2014 13:17:55 -0400

I feel this may be the last maned fighter plane as they are becoming cost prohibitive. New drones are around $9 to $15 million. Imagine how it would feel getting shot down by some guy in a barcalounger sipping on a soda?

http://news.discovery.com/tech/robotics/drone-jet-launches-off-aircraft-carrier-130515.htm

First-Ever Drone Launched from Aircraft Carrier : DNews

Te X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System begins integration into the Navy's fleet of complex war-fighting machines. Continue reading