Majestic vapor trail surrounding an F-22 Raptor is a breathtaking sight

  • F-22 Raptor is the fastest fifth-generation fighter jet
  • We might see a successor to the F-22 in the next few years
  • The vapor trail is formed due to a low-pressure zone created by the plane

Published on Apr 22, 2024 at 2:13 PM (UTC+4)
by Nalin Rawat

Last updated on May 10, 2024 at 6:05 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by Tom Wood

The F-22 Raptor is the fastest fifth-generation fighter jet in the world.

In the video, after the aircraft pitches up into the sky, it creates cloud-like vapor trails on the aircraft.

At one point, the F-22 Raptor seems to be completely covered by the cloud, save for the cockpit.

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The condensation effect is mainly due to the low-pressure zone created by the plane pitching up.

When the plane passes through areas of high humidity a cloud-like vapor trail starts building on its surface.

As it travels, its airframe causes a pressure difference that causes the humidity to condense into a cloud.

The F-22 Raptor is a combination of stealth, supersonic speed, and maneuverability.

It represents an exponential leap in war-fighting capabilities.

With nearly 200 F-22 Raptors in service, it is also a critical component of the USAF’s tactical airpower.

Due to its impressive aerodynamic performance, the aircraft is capable of performing crazy maneuvers like this.

Unfortunately, the aircraft was sidelined by the US Air Force, as they preferred the more affordable and versatile F-35.

Despite that, one has to acknowledge that the F-22 Raptor was the first fifth-generation fighter jet to enter service in 2005.

After its debut, countries like China and Russia took more than a decade to introduce their own fifth-generation fighter jets.

Fortunately, the US Air Force reportedly plans to invest $28 billion over five years to develop the next-generation fighter jet.

So we might see a successor to the F-22 Raptor in the next few years.

However, other countries like China are also not that far away from developing a new type of stealth aircraft.

Regardless of which country gets their first, aviation enthusiasts will get their fill of the latest advanced fighter jets.

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Nalin started his career by working with various national newspapers in India. He has also worked as a writer/editor for many popular websites, while still pursuing his journalism and mass communication degree. Working as a digital nomad has allowed him to inform and educate through his work. When he is not writing, you can find him playing video games or travelling the mountains on his bike.