F-22 Raptor: Is It Time to Introduce 5th-Generation Fighters into War Thunder?
The F-22A Raptor should be considered for introduction into War Thunder. This does not mean adding the most advanced configuration with every modern capability at once. Gaijin could start with an earlier configuration and develop the balance as more technologies are implemented.
1. The Block 10 Would Be a Viable Starting Point
The early F-22A featured the AN/APG-77 AESA radar, AN/ALR-94 electronic warfare system, AIM-120C and AIM-9M missiles. Its main advantage would be its low radar cross-section, combined with excellent flight performance and internal weapons carriage.
The early F-22A also featured the AN/AAR-56 Missile Launch Detector (MLD) , an infrared missile-warning system designed to provide spherical coverage around the aircraft. This is different from the AN/ALR-94: while the ALR-94 detects radar emissions, the AAR-56 detects missile launches through their infrared signatures. This means the early F-22 already had both an advanced radar warning system and a dedicated infrared missile-launch detection capability, which should be considered when evaluating its defensive systems in War Thunder.
However, the original APG-77 should not automatically be considered superior to every modern AESA radar already in the game. The F-16CM PoBIT, F-15C Golden Eagle and F/A-18E already feature advanced systems, while aircraft such as the Rafale and Typhoon also possess sophisticated radars and electronic warfare capabilities. The Raptor’s main advantage would be the combination of these technologies with stealth.
2. The F-22’s Configurations Are Not Equivalent
- Block 10: An early configuration with AIM-120C and AIM-9M. A suitable candidate for initial introduction.
- Block 20: Includes incremental improvements but has also been used primarily for training. It should not be confused with the most advanced combat configuration.
- Block 30: Received important upgrades, including additional radar modes and air-to-ground capabilities.
- Block 35: Represents a more modernized configuration, associated with advanced upgrades such as AIM-120D, AIM-9X and improvements to software and electronic warfare capabilities.
These block designations do not represent four completely separate aircraft generations, and their capabilities depend on the upgrades actually installed. Nevertheless, they illustrate how the F-22’s capabilities have evolved over time.
3. Existing Aircraft Already Have Technologies That Could Challenge the Early Raptor
The F-22 would not be superior in every aspect. Modern AESA radars already provide advanced detection and tracking capabilities, while contemporary fighters also have sophisticated radar warning receivers and electronic warfare systems.
Stealth should provide a significant advantage, but it should not make the F-22 completely undetectable. Its effectiveness should depend on realistic radar detection mechanics, engagement conditions and the capabilities of opposing aircraft.
4. Simultaneous Radar and IRST Operation Is Still an Important Missing Capability
Several modern fighters in War Thunder are equipped with both radar and IRST, but the game does not adequately represent their simultaneous operation and the fusion of information from these sensors.
Allowing compatible aircraft to use radar and IRST simultaneously would provide a meaningful tactical advantage. Radar could search for and track targets while IRST independently detects and tracks them passively, without emitting radar signals.
This would be particularly relevant against stealth aircraft. Since stealth primarily reduces radar detectability, infrared detection could offer another way to locate and engage an F-22 under favorable conditions. However, IRST is not a guaranteed counter to stealth: detection range depends on the target’s infrared signature, atmospheric conditions, aspect and other factors.
Aircraft such as the Rafale, Typhoon, Gripen E, J-10C, J-16, J-15T and Su-30SM2 should have their actual sensor capabilities evaluated individually, with simultaneous radar and IRST operation implemented wherever supported.
5. Modern Weapons Should Also Be Considered
Several capabilities could improve the balance of top-tier aviation and give other nations more effective options against advanced aircraft:
- Meteor: A long-range air-to-air missile with ramjet propulsion, relevant to compatible aircraft such as the Rafale and Typhoon.
- IRIS-T: A highly maneuverable infrared-guided missile for compatible aircraft.
- MICA IR: An advanced infrared-guided missile that would give the Rafale another engagement option.
- Radar and IRST sensor fusion: Improved detection and tracking capabilities for aircraft that support this functionality.
These technologies should not be exclusive to one nation. Gaijin should implement equivalent capabilities fairly across all nations and aircraft that historically support them.
6. How Should the F-22 Be Balanced?
My proposal is to introduce the F-22A Block 10 with AIM-120C and AIM-9M , placing it at a BR above or at the upper end of the current top tier, depending on testing and performance.
Its stealth should be modeled realistically, without making it invisible or allowing opposing aircraft to detect it as easily as a conventional fighter. Actual match performance, radar effectiveness, engagement opportunities and the ability of opponents to respond should determine subsequent adjustments.
Conclusion
The F-22 is a natural next step in War Thunder’s aerial combat progression. Its introduction does not require every modernized configuration to be added immediately, nor should other nations remain permanently restricted to their current weapons and sensor capabilities.
Introducing the Raptor gradually, while improving the sensors and weapons available to other top-tier fighters, would allow War Thunder to evolve into fifth-generation combat without turning stealth into an invincibility mechanic.
