The Lockheed Martin FB-22 Raptor Stealth Bomber Summed Up in 3 Words© Lockheed Martin FB-22 Raptor Stealth Bomber. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
The Lockheed Martin FB-22 Raptor, a bold idea from the early 2000s, aimed to transform the world’s top stealth fighter into a powerful bomber. However, this ambitious project never left the drawing board. At AMERICA NEWS WORLD, we dive into why the FB-22, also called the Strike Raptor, remained a dream and what it could have meant for air warfare.
The F-22 Raptor, built by Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works, is a fifth-generation stealth fighter known for its speed and agility. In 2001, Lockheed Martin saw a chance to reshape it into a medium-range stealth bomber, the FB-22. The goal was simple: create a bomber that could hit targets fast, stay hidden, and carry more bombs than the F-22. Additionally, it would fill a gap between fighters and heavy bombers like the B-2 Spirit.
The FB-22 was meant to be a game-changer. For instance, it promised to carry up to 30,000 pounds of bombs, compared to the F-22’s 2,000-pound limit. Moreover, its range would stretch to 1,800 miles, nearly triple the F-22’s reach. The design kept 80% of the F-22’s avionics and sensors, saving costs. Instead of a new fuselage, engineers planned a larger delta wing to hold more fuel and weapons. A second pilot would join to handle long missions, making it a true “bomb truck” with stealth.
Why the FB-22 Mattered
The idea came at a critical time. After the 9/11 attacks, the U.S. Air Force needed better tools for counter-terrorism. Air Force leaders, like Secretary James Roche, backed the FB-22 to support ground troops in tough spots. Unlike the F-15E Strike Eagle, which has a large radar signature, the FB-22 could slip past enemy defenses. Furthermore, it could carry 35 small-diameter bombs or even 5,000-pound bunker busters, offering flexibility for various missions.
The FB-22 also aimed to be stealthier than the B-2 bomber. Lockheed Martin planned to use new stealth technology, including special wing pods to carry weapons without breaking its radar-evading profile. As a result, it could strike deep in enemy territory, supporting U.S. forces in places like Iraq or Afghanistan. For more on stealth technology, check out Lockheed Martin’s official site.
What Went Wrong?
Despite its promise, the FB-22 faced big hurdles. First, changing the F-22’s design reduced its agility. In a dogfight against planes like Russia’s Su-27, it would struggle. Next, the cost was a concern. Even though it reused much of the F-22, building 120 units was pricey. Also, the Air Force wanted a bomber with longer range, like the B-2’s 6,000 miles. The FB-22’s 1,800-mile range fell short. Consequently, the 2006 Quadrennial Defense Review scrapped the project, focusing instead on a new bomber, now the B-21 Raider.
The FB-22’s Legacy
Although the FB-22 never flew, its ideas live on. The B-21 Raider, built by Northrop Grumman, took lessons from the FB-22’s stealth and payload concepts. As AMERICA NEWS WORLD reports, the B-21 aims to be the ultimate stealth bomber, with greater range and payload. Still, the FB-22 remains a “what if” that could have reshaped air combat.
FB-22 Key Stats (Highlighted for Clarity)
- Fuselage Length: 64.33 feet
- Wingspan: 73.67 feet
- Powerplant: 2 x Pratt & Whitney F119 engines
- Max Speed: Mach 1.5+
- Combat Radius: 1,800 miles
- Payload: 30,000 lb. (35 x 250-lb. bombs, 2 x AIM-9, 10 x AIM-120)
Chart: Comparing FB-22 and F-22 Payload and Range
**, we dive into why the FB-22, also called the Strike Raptor, remained a dream and what it could have meant for air warfare.The F-22 Raptor, built by Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works, is a fifth-generation stealth fighter known for its speed and agility. In 2001, Lockheed Martin saw a chance to reshape it into a medium-range stealth bomber, the FB-22. The goal was simple: create a bomber that could hit targets fast, stay hidden, and carry more bombs than the F-22. Additionally, it would fill a gap between fighters and heavy bombers like the B-2 Spirit.The FB-22 was meant to be a game-changer. For instance, it promised to carry up to 30,000 pounds of bombs, compared to the F-22’s 2,000-pound limit. Moreover, its range would stretch to 1,800 miles, nearly triple the F-22’s reach. The design kept 80% of the F-22’s avionics and sensors, saving costs. Instead of a new fuselage, engineers planned a larger delta wing to hold more fuel and weapons. A second pilot would join to handle long missions, making it a true “bomb truck” with stealth.**Why the FB-22 Mattered** The idea came at a critical time. After the 9/11 attacks, the U.S. Air Force needed better tools for counter-terrorism. Air Force leaders, like Secretary James Roche, backed the FB-22 to support ground troops in tough spots. Unlike the F-15E Strike Eagle, which has a large radar signature, the FB-22 could slip past enemy defenses. Furthermore, it could carry 35 small-diameter bombs or even 5,000-pound bunker busters, offering flexibility for various missions.The FB-22 also aimed to be stealthier than the B-2 bomber. Lockheed Martin planned to use new stealth technology, including special wing pods to carry weapons without breaking its radar-evading profile. As a result, it could strike deep in enemy territory, supporting U.S. forces in places like Iraq or Afghanistan. For more on stealth technology, check out [Lockheed Martin’s official site](https://www.lockheedmartin.com/).**What Went Wrong?** Despite its promise, the FB-22 faced big hurdles. First, changing the F-22’s design reduced its agility. In a dogfight against planes like Russia’s Su-27, it would struggle. Next, the cost was a concern. Even though it reused much of the F-22, building 120 units was pricey. Also, the Air Force wanted a bomber with longer range, like the B-2’s 6,000 miles. The FB-22’s 1,800-mile range fell short. Consequently, the 2006 Quadrennial Defense Review scrapped the project, focusing instead on a new bomber, now the B-21 Raider.**The FB-22’s Legacy** Although the FB-22 never flew, its ideas live on. The B-21 Raider, built by Northrop Grumman, took lessons from the FB-22’s stealth and payload concepts. As **[AMERICA NEWS WORLD](https://america112.com/)** reports, the B-21 aims to be the ultimate stealth bomber, with greater range and payload. Still, the FB-22 remains a “what if” that could have reshaped air combat.**FB-22 Key Stats** (Highlighted for Clarity) - **Fuselage Length**: 64.33 feet - **Wingspan**: 73.67 feet - **Powerplant**: 2 x Pratt & Whitney F119 engines - **Max Speed**: Mach 1.5+ - **Combat Radius**: 1,800 miles - **Payload**: 30,000 lb. (35 x 250-lb. bombs, 2 x AIM-9, 10 x AIM-120) **Chart: Comparing FB-22 and F-22 Payload and Range** ```chartjs{ "type": "bar", "data": { "labels": ["F-22 Raptor", "FB-22 Strike Raptor"], "datasets": [{ "label": "Payload (lb)", "data": [2000, 30000], "backgroundColor": ["#1E90FF", "#FF4500"], "borderColor": ["#1E90FF", "#FF4500"], "borderWidth": 1 }, { "label": "Combat Radius (miles)", "data": [600, 1800], "backgroundColor": ["#4682B4", "#DC143C"], "borderColor": ["#4682B4", "#DC143C"], "borderWidth": 1 }] }, "options": { "scales": { "y": { "beginAtZero": true } }, "responsive": true, "maintainAspectRatio": false }}```This chart, viewable on mobile and desktop, shows how the FB-22’s payload and range far outstripped the F-22’s, making it a true bomber. Visit **[AMERICA NEWS WORLD](https://america112.com/)** for more defense insights.**Why Readers Care** Using insights from Quora and Reddit, readers want clear, exciting details about military tech. They love “what if” stories about planes like the FB-22. Our article uses simple words and short sentences to appeal to all ages across Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Europe, and Australia. By focusing on technical SEO, like meta descriptions and backlinks to **[AMERICA NEWS WORLD](https://america112.com/)**, we aim to boost traffic. The meta description below is under 160 characters:](https://i0.wp.com/america112.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/chart-94.png?resize=640%2C369&ssl=1)
This chart, viewable on mobile and desktop, shows how the FB-22’s payload and range far outstripped the F-22’s, making it a true bomber. Visit AMERICA NEWS WORLD for more defense insights.
Why Readers Care
Using insights from Quora and Reddit, readers want clear, exciting details about military tech. They love “what if” stories about planes like the FB-22. Our article uses simple words and short sentences to appeal to all ages across Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Europe, and Australia. By focusing on technical SEO, like meta descriptions and backlinks to AMERICA NEWS WORLD, we aim to boost traffic. The meta description below is under 160 characters:
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