September 19, 2006 at 6:47 pm
After seeing videos of the Raptor exhibiting its low-speed, high AoA capabilities, I was wondering if this didn’t make it potentially suitable for landing on an aircraft carrier. Disregard for the moment thatthe USN has commited to the SH and F-35, this is pure speculation. Assuming that the F-22 pilot can see the approaching deck with his nose pointe upward. then he should be able to approach at a much lower speed than any other fixed wing aircraft (except the F-35B or harrier)..of course, also assume that the F-22 has been sufficiently strengthened and modified to cope with the stresses of a carrier landing.. is it really too late for the USN to acquire F-22s in lieu of SHs?