Nearly 30 years since its first test flight in 1997, Lockheed Martin-Boeing F-22 Raptor still seems to be coming from the future. Sporting both a curved body and corners with hard blades, as well as this signature gold canopy, the F-22 is an emblematic design that is immediately recognized.
But while there are many incredible images of this radar-absorbing exterior, its interior is kept quite tightly under packaging. Much of the technology inside the F-22 remains classified, so while the US Air Force is very happy to show it on air shows, it usually avoids ever showing someone the interior of the cockpit.
However, some information about Raptor’s controls and displays have been released, and various pilots have talked about the flight of flying. The technological edge of the F-22 comes as much of its advanced avionics as its stealth silhouette that empowers the pilots in a way that fourth-generation fighters like the F-18 (which seem to be easy to lose) could never. This makes life in the cockpit very different for these pilots from their peers.
Read more: These cars will grow old horrible
The interior of the F-22 pilot cabin
The main display of the F-22 lights up in green when the pilot enters the cockpit. – MJF795/Getty Images
If you have to approach the inside of the F-22, you will first need to lift the canopy. It is a little more crazy than the elegant designs of other planes, but as with different other curves along the F-22 frame, it is designed to divert the radar. In other words, even the cockpit is part of the steal of Raptor.
Once in the seat you may first notice what you do not see – dials. The F-22 has a pilot cabin, which means that instead of a traditional tool panel with many dials, the pilot is greeted by a computed glass screen made of glass. These are liquid crystal displays, visible even in direct sunlight (useful as fighter pilots tend to like the sun directly on their backs). There are a total of six such displays, including a larger central display for the identification and objective of the target.
In order to interact with all this, pilots do not even have to remove their hands from the controls. This is because the F-22 uses a practical throttle and step system that puts computer inputs directly, well, the throttle and the control rod. In this way, the pilot can interact with complex systems while flying the aircraft. With all this information, literally at your fingertips, the pilot can personally process all the information it needs; In other words, these fifth-generation fighters do not need a traveler in the back seat called an employee of weapons systems in older aircraft.
As a pilot in the cockpit
F-22 in flight. – Kuntalsaha/Getty Images
In fact, sitting in this cockpit can be quite intense. The aircraft can last anywhere from 9 gravity to minus 3 gravity, so the pilot will wear a G suit to help compensate. Above this, the pilot will have a flotation vest in the case of a watery landing (read: Crash), a harvesting with survival facilities and, of course, a helmet with communication equipment and oxygen.
This said that one of the F-22 party tricks is that he is capable of supercarius-to remain at supersonic speeds for prolonged periods without Afsorbar. This makes a smooth, comfortable experience over the speed of sound, unlike most other fighters. It’s a good idea to be a F-22 pilot.
This is especially true, since with all this information available to them all these displays, the F-22 pilots are empowered to make calls to judge what to do in a situation, not just in the flight. Flying Raptor is a great responsibility, but the aircraft gives you the power to use it.
Do you want more? Join the Jalopnik Bulletin to get the most car news sent straight to your mailbox …
Read the original article about Jalopnik.