7. The F-22 Can Perform As A Mini AWAC
In an October 2017 edition of Air Force Magazine, Lt. Col. Shell (only rank given) stated that the role of the F-22 Raptors continuously changed in Operation Inherent Resolve. He said at the start of the conflict that the F-22 was 95% precision strikes shifted to 95% air superiority. Shell went on to say that the F-22 can aid evading “strategic miscalculations” by de-conflicting the airspace from enemy aircraft. Deconflict is possible since the aircraft active/passive sensors as well as the ability to operate close to the battlefield. Despite the F-22 not being a designated Airborne Early Warning Control Platforms (AWAC), the functionality of its sensors, flight and instruments make it possible for the F-22 to perform as mini-AWACS to quickly find targets and cooperate with allied aircraft.