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The F-22 Raptor was a highlight of this year's EAA Airventure Air Show in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The Raptor Demo Team flew in aircraft that were from Langely AFB in Virginia, where the team is based. One of those jets showed comparatively extreme signs of corrosion on the upper nose area, right before the canopy. In fact, the section was in such poor shape, that it offered a bizarre and fascinating view of what some of the F-22's most prominent surface areas are made up of.
As you can see in the images, it's not just that the surface is corroded, it appears that areas of the radar-absorbent material (RAM) beneath it has fallen away entirely. It almost looks like there are gaping holes in the jet's upper nose, but that may not actually be the case. If you look closely, it seems like there may be a translucent coating in place over the area that creates a shell or sorts that laminates to the foam-like structure below. Still, the F-22's nose looks somewhat hollow inside.
originally posted by: BomSquad
a reply to: Edumakated
How was this aircraft allowed to get into this condition?
They brought out a B-2 Stealth Bomber a few years ago. Amazing. Looked like a UFO flying over the lake and skyline.
originally posted by: pavil
a reply to: Edumakated
They brought out a B-2 Stealth Bomber a few years ago. Amazing. Looked like a UFO flying over the lake and skyline.
Yeah they are pretty impressive seeing with your own eyes. Quiet too.