F-22 Update US Air Force intended the F-22 to be more reliable and easier to maintain than other legacy fighter aircraft.
Update 6 is a software-only Operational Flight Program (OFP) modernization effort to update the aircraft cryptographic module with an F-22 cryptographic architecture change to accommodate multiple, simultaneous algorithms for Link 16 data link interoperability and secure ultrahigh-frequency radio communications. Update 6 is also intended to incorporate deferred software corrections carried over from Increment 3.2 B developmental testing.
F-22 air-to-air weapons are the AIM-120D radar-guided missile, the AIM-9X infrared-guided missile, and the M61A2 20-mm gun. F-22 air-to-ground precision strike capability consists of the 1,000-pound Joint Direct Attack Munitions and the 250-pound Small Diameter Bombs.
The F-22 program delivers capability in increments. Incremental Enhanced Global Strike modernization efforts include the following current and near-term modernization efforts:
Increment 3.1 provided enhanced air-to-ground mission capability, to include geolocation of selected emitters, electronic attack, air-to-ground synthetic aperture radar mapping and designation of surface targets, and Small Diameter Bomb integration.
Increment 3.2A was a software-only upgrade providing improved electronic protection, Link 16 Receive, and combat identification capabilities. Modernization effort within the scope of the F-22 Advanced Tactical Fighter baseline acquisition program of record and is currently fielded in operational F-22 units.
Increment 3.2B was a separate Major Defense Acquisition Program modernization effort that integrated AIM-120D and AIM-9X missile systems; an Enhanced Stores Management System for weapons integration and employment improvements; Intra-Flight Datalink and electronic protection enhancements; improved emitter geolocation capability; and a Common Weapon Employment Zone for air-to-air missiles employed by the F-22. IOT&E of the 3.2B capability concluded and is currently being fielded.
F-22 Tactical Link 16 and Tactical Mandates are hardware and software modernization efforts intended to provide Link 16 transmit capability through the Multi-functional Information Distribution System/Joint Tactical Radio System and replace the legacy Mark XVII Mode 4 Identification Friend system with the Mode 5 IFF system.
Originally, these were separate programs; however, the Air Force has moved the acquisition of these two programs under the RAPTOR Agile Capability Release Capability Pipeline, which is planned to release capabilities to the field on an annual basis.
Release 1 is expected to have increments of Link 16 and Mode 5 with expected fielding in early FY22. R2 and R3 are expected to also have increments of the original Link 16 and Mode 5 F-22 programs to complete fielding of the respective capabilities.
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