A nice close up of the combat business part of an F-22 Raptor fighter, the US Air Force’s premier 5th generation fighter jet. I took this at an air show at NAS Patuxent River a few years ago. Even though the Raptor had been flying since the mid 2000s, this was the first time I had seen this aircraft live and in person. Very impressive.
The weapons bay are enclosed to maintain the aircraft’s stealth capabilities. The sharp angles of a missile profile as it hangs off a jet on a launch rail or pylon is what can give away radar position/location or radar data to an enemy system. Hence the enclosed, internal weapons bay for air-to-air missiles (AMRAAM and Sidewinders) and a slightly lesser capability for air-to-surface munitions like the JDAM (Joint Direct Attack Munition.) The F-22 can carry external ordnance and fuel tanks and would should the tactical situation dictate or allow it to operate in such a manner.
Former U.S. Naval Flight Officer, now retired from Gub’mint work living the life in the mountains of western North Carolina. Had my fill of watching the sausage made in DC in 2018.
I still think it should have a gun.