Aerial Warfare

F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team

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The F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team performs precision aerial maneuvers at airshows across the world to demonstrate the unique capabilities of the world’s premier 5th generation fighter aircraft. The team also performs with the Air Force Heritage Flight Foundation to showcase modern day fighter jets flying in formation with World War II, Korean, and Vietnam era aircraft. The team is stationed at Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Hampton, Virginia.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Josh Gunderson, F-22 Demonstration Team pilot, performs during an aerial demonstration at the Singapore Airshow 2020 near the Changi Exhibition Center Feb. 11, 2020. The F-22 Demo Team travels to air shows all across the world to showcase the performance and capabilities of the world's premier 5th-generation fighter. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Lt. Sam Eckholm)
U.S. Air Force Maj. Josh Gunderson, F-22 Demonstration Team pilot, performs during an aerial demonstration at the Singapore Airshow 2020 near the Changi Exhibition Center Feb. 11, 2020. The F-22 Demo Team travels to air shows all across the world to showcase the performance and capabilities of the world’s premier 5th-generation fighter. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Lt. Sam Eckholm)

In March 2007, the team participated in its debut air show at Tyndall Air Force Base. Since then, the team has performed more than 250 demonstrations across the world. These demonstrations include the power loop, split, and tail slide, as well as a high speed pass and dedication pass. These maneuvers are based on those designed for combat operations, but are performed at much lower altitudes than most pilots are certified to fly at. The US Air Force approved the demonstration in 2007, replacing Air Combat Command’s F-15C demonstration team.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Carlos Paonessa, F-22 Demonstration Team dedicated crew chief, marshals Maj. Joshua Gunderson, F-22 Demonstration Team pilot, before takeoff during Air Force Heritage Flight Training Course attendees, at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Feb. 29, 2020. The U.S. Air Force Heritage Flight program shows the evolution of U.S. Air Force air craft by flying today's fighter aircraft in formation with historical fighter aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tristan Biese)
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Carlos Paonessa, F-22 Demonstration Team dedicated crew chief, marshals Maj. Joshua Gunderson, F-22 Demonstration Team pilot, before takeoff during Air Force Heritage Flight Training Course attendees, at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Feb. 29, 2020. The U.S. Air Force Heritage Flight program shows the evolution of U.S. Air Force air craft by flying today’s fighter aircraft in formation with historical fighter aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tristan Biese)

The Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor is a single-seat, twin-engine, all-weather stealth tactical fighter aircraft developed for the United States Air Force (USAF). The result of the USAF’s Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF) program, the aircraft was designed primarily as an air superiority fighter, but also has ground attack, electronic warfare, and signal intelligence capabilities. The prime contractor, Lockheed Martin, built most of the F-22’s airframe and weapons systems and conducted final assembly, while Boeing provided the wings, aft fuselage, avionics integration, and training systems.

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor, assigned to the F-22 Demonstration Team, two P-51 Mustangs and an F-16 Viper, assigned to the F-16 Viper Demonstration Team, fly in formation during the 2020 Heritage Flight Training Course at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Mar. 1, 2020. HFTC displays modern fighter and attack aircraft flying alongside World War II, Korea and Vietnam-era planes in a dramatic display of our nation's air power history. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Mya M. Crosby)
A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor, assigned to the F-22 Demonstration Team, two P-51 Mustangs and an F-16 Viper, assigned to the F-16 Viper Demonstration Team, fly in formation during the 2020 Heritage Flight Training Course at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Mar. 1, 2020. HFTC displays modern fighter and attack aircraft flying alongside World War II, Korea and Vietnam-era planes in a dramatic display of our nation’s air power history. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Mya M. Crosby)

The aircraft was variously designated F-22 and F/A-22 before it formally entered service in December 2005 as the F-22A. Despite its protracted development and various operational issues, USAF officials consider the F-22 a critical component of the service’s tactical air power. Its combination of stealth, aerodynamic performance, and avionics systems enable unprecedented air combat capabilities. The last F-22 was delivered in 2012.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Josh Gunderson, F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team commander and pilot, pulls into a maximum vertical climb during an aerial demonstration at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., March 30, 2020. Maj. Gunderson has over 1,500 hours flying both the F-15 Eagle and F-22 Raptor and is in his first year as commander of the F-22 Raptor Demo Team. (U.S. Air Force photo by Lt. Sam Eckholm)
U.S. Air Force Maj. Josh Gunderson, F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team commander and pilot, pulls into a maximum vertical climb during an aerial demonstration at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., March 30, 2020. Maj. Gunderson has over 1,500 hours flying both the F-15 Eagle and F-22 Raptor and is in his first year as commander of the F-22 Raptor Demo Team. (U.S. Air Force photo by Lt. Sam Eckholm)
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