US turns F-22 into 'air combat command aircraft'

The US has begun upgrading the F-22 with a UAV control system, expanding the stealth fighter's functionality in modern joint operations.

According to information from the US Air Force Command, 142 F-22s will be equipped with a new equipment package, including a tablet-like control interface and specialized tactical software. The total cost for each upgrade package is 86,000 USD. Once completed, F-22 pilots can coordinate UAVs right from the cockpit, set flight paths, identify targets and issue semi-automatic attack orders.

142 F-22s upgraded to UAV command role.

The Inter-Aircraft Data Link (IFDL) – already integrated into the F-22 – will be used as the primary command transmission channel. This is a highly jam-resistant communication system with outstanding stability in electronic warfare conditions, allowing the transmission of combat data between manned aircraft and UAVs with very low latency.

The program is part of the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) initiative, part of the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) project. The goal of CCA is to develop a combined human-machine combat model in which UAVs play the role of air support, reconnaissance, air defense suppression, or tactical decoy.

The F-22 fighter will be equipped with tablets and tactical software, turning it into a UAV command platform.

The two UAV prototypes being tested are the General Atomics YFQ-42A and Anduril YFQ-44A. Both are capable of flying in formation, receiving tactical commands from a command aircraft, and are designed to operate in high-density combat environments. In addition, the integrated control system developed by Lockheed Martin allows a single pilot to coordinate multiple UAVs at the same time, customizing the mission right on the touch interface in the cockpit.

The F-22's role as a UAV coordinator significantly expands the tactical control space and reduces the risk level in dangerous missions. A team of a manned stealth fighter and multiple UAVs can conduct multi-directional attacks, disrupt enemy air defenses, pave the way for main forces or destroy priority targets without the direct presence of humans.

The CCA program is also designed to be compatible with other US services, including the Navy and Marine Corps, to create an interoperable air combat system, which is an important factor in future large-scale joint operations.

According to defense analysts, integrating UAVs into the F-22 is a technical stepping stone before the sixth-generation fighter is officially put into operation. In the context that many countries, especially China, are accelerating the development of new-generation stealth fighters such as the J-20 and tactical attack UAVs, the US's proactive integration of AI and existing aircraft platforms will help maintain its air combat advantage during the strategic transition period.

Source: https://khoahocdoisong.vn/my-bien-f-22-thanh-may-bay-chi-huy-khong-chien-post1553283.html