But, the Raptor’s first recorded kill was not emblemized by a photo of a smoldering MiG shot down in the dark of night.
Rather, the Pentagon showed us a hole in the top of a building that defense officials said was a command and control center for forces in Raqqah, IS’s self-declared capital.
A defense official now confirms that the F-22 used in this historic strike employed a GBU-32, a 1,000 lb. Joint Direct Attack Munition.
So, I wonder why was the F-22 used?
Any number of assets can drop a 1,000 lb. Jdam, especially when the door that would need kicking down is wide open or, at the very least, slightly ajar.
Did the aircraft’s sensors have some sort of classified effect?
Was there an EW capability that, perhaps, we’ll find out about in months?
Did someone in the chain of command just decide it was time to get the damn thing into the fight?
My guess would be that the F-22 simply needed its baptism of fire. Every real combat aircraft gets it at some time (unless it is called the F4D Skyray) and how better than in a 'simple' strike with light to no resistance. Easy pickings.
Given the fact that the F-22 is the only operational stealth airframe with offensive capabilities, it makes sence to have a first strike carried out by this type. IS has both nowledge and funds to operate high tech equipement and nothing as bad as having the body of a pilot dragged down the streets after being shot down.
It is not like they needed the stealth to fight ISIS.
It is allways wise not to underestimate your opponent, especially if he is ready to behead a downed pilot for publicity purposes.
Besides: were these F-22 not readily available in the gulf?
Yes they were and for us they are F-22s, for a military planner "just" an asset that can deliver pinpoint attacks deep in enemy territory without being spotted by radar.
Don't forget that the Syrian Air Force is still operating and it could have been launched to intercept which might had turned into an aerial battle. No doubt won by the Americans, but also difficult to explain as they don't want to fight the Syrian regime (which I understood was notified, but still)
sp00k wrote:It is not like they needed the stealth to fight ISIS.
And you know that because...?
Anyone seen reports of Syrian jets being downed by radar-guided missiles lately
I have not.
Shoulder-carried "blowpipes" can be defeated/avoided without using stealth.
Well, this afternoon on the radio there were reports from a retired general, that IS has its Air Defense up to today's standards, and is capable to operate it too.
De Zamboni heeft kramp in zijn achterwiel Jan Maarten Smeets, Heerenveen 31 oktober 2009
They were flying over Syria without any permission and probably didn't share their flight plan with Mr Assad. It makes sense to have a stealth jet locate the radar sites and paint the map for the big strike package. Apart from that the Raptor can also take out targets with its own bombs. Read this page about the F-15E/F-22 combo, it makes perfect sense: http://theaviationist.com/2014/09/24/f-15e-over-syria/
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