Raptor’s New Claws: The F-22 Stealth Fighter Is More Lethal than Ever

At long last, the United States Air Force has started to field the AIM-9X Sidewinder high off-boresight (HOBS) missile onboard the stealthy Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor.

Until now, America’s premier air superiority fighter had been equipped with the antiquated AIM-9M version of the missile. The lack of a HOBS missile put the $140 million stealth fighter at a severe disadvantage in a visual range dogfight with other aircraft.

“Every aspect about this missile, it’s a huge capability increase in all facets,” explained Lt. Col. David Skalicky, commander of the 90th Fighter Squadron at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska.

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