{"id":37663,"date":"2026-03-26T15:59:49","date_gmt":"2026-03-26T14:59:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/migflug.com\/jetflights\/?p=37663"},"modified":"2026-09-04T09:45:24","modified_gmt":"2026-09-04T07:45:24","slug":"f-22-raptor-stealth-tanks-irst-pods-closest-look-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/migflug.com\/afterburner\/f-22-raptor-stealth-tanks-irst-pods-closest-look-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Closest Look Yet: F-22 Raptor Flies with Stealth Tanks and IRST Sensor Pods"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<style>.et_pb_title_container h1.entry-title { padding-top: 40px !important; }<\/style>\n<!-- mfsh:top -->\n\n<style>\n.mfsh-trigger{display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:10px;height:44px;padding:0 18px;margin:0 0 26px;border:2px solid #0F1720;background:#fff;color:#0F1720;font-family:inherit;font-size:14px;font-weight:700;line-height:1;letter-spacing:0;text-transform:none;cursor:pointer;box-shadow:none;transition:background .15s,color 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else window.open(target, '_blank', 'noopener,width=680,height=560'); }\n    close();\n  }\n  var mq = window.matchMedia('(min-width:981px)');\n  function place(){\n    var t = document.querySelector('.mfsh-trigger[data-mfsh-placement=\"top\"]'), slot = document.querySelector('.mfsh-top-slot');\n    var meta = [].slice.call(document.querySelectorAll('.et_pb_title_meta_container, .et_post_meta_wrapper .post-meta, .single .post-meta')).filter(function(m){ return m.offsetParent !== null; })[0];\n    if (!t || !slot) return;\n    if (meta && mq.matches) { meta.classList.add('mfsh-meta'); t.classList.add('mfsh-inmeta'); if (t.parentNode !== meta) meta.appendChild(t); var a = meta.querySelector('a'); if (a) { var pr = document.createElement('span'); pr.style.cssText = 'display:inline-block;width:0;height:0;vertical-align:baseline'; a.appendChild(pr); var base = pr.getBoundingClientRect().bottom; pr.remove(); var fs = parseFloat(getComputedStyle(a).fontSize) || 14, mb = meta.getBoundingClientRect().bottom; t.style.bottom = Math.max(0, mb - (base + fs * 0.12)) + 'px'; } }\n    else { t.classList.remove('mfsh-inmeta'); if (t.parentNode !== slot) slot.appendChild(t); }\n  }\n  if (document.readyState === 'loading') document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', place); else place(); window.addEventListener('load', place); if (document.fonts && document.fonts.ready) document.fonts.ready.then(place); window.addEventListener('resize', place);\n  if (mq.addEventListener) mq.addEventListener('change', place); else mq.addListener(place);\n  document.addEventListener('click', function(e){ var b = e.target.closest('.mfsh-trigger'); if (b) { e.preventDefault(); open(b.getAttribute('data-mfsh-placement') || 'top'); } });\n})();\n<\/script><!-- \/mfsh:top -->\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Aviation photographer Jarod Hamilton captured the sharpest images yet of an <a href=\"https:\/\/migflug.com\/aircraft\/f-22-raptor\">F-22A<\/a> Raptor flying with both stealthy external fuel tanks and specialised sensor pods at Edwards Air Force Base on March 21, 2026 \u2014 providing the clearest look to date at a significant upgrade package being developed for America's premier air superiority fighter.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<figure>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/migflug.com\/afterburner\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/03\/f-22-raptor-stealth-fighter.jpg\" alt=\"F-22A Raptor in flight\" style=\"display:block;width:100%;height:auto;\" \/>\r\n<figcaption>An F-22A Raptor in flight. The aircraft has been observed testing new stealth external tanks and IRST sensor pods at Edwards AFB. (Photo: USAF \/ Public Domain)<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n<h2 style=\"margin-top:1.8em;margin-bottom:0.4em;\">What Was Observed<\/h2>\r\n\r\n<p>The Raptor was photographed carrying two identical pods on wing stations \u2014 at least one featuring a transparent nose section consistent with an infrared search and track (IRST) sensor or optical targeting system. The aircraft was also carrying new external fuel tanks designed with reduced-radar-cross-section geometry, a notable development given that the F-22 has historically operated in a clean, tank-free configuration to preserve its stealth signature.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<p>Flying in formation with the F-22 were an NKC-135R Stratotanker and a <a href=\"https:\/\/migflug.com\/aircraft\/b-52-stratofortress\">B-52H<\/a> \u2014 the latter itself carrying inert AGM-181 LRSO missiles on its wing pylons, indicating a coordinated strategic aircraft test package operating out of Edwards' 419th Flight Test Squadron.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h2 style=\"margin-top:1.8em;margin-bottom:0.4em;\">Filling a Long-Standing Gap<\/h2>\r\n\r\n<p>The F-22 was originally designed in the early 1990s without an integrated IRST system \u2014 a capability that was cut during post-Cold War budget reductions. Unlike the <a href=\"https:\/\/migflug.com\/aircraft\/f-35-lightning-ii\">F-35<\/a>, which carries an embedded electro-optical targeting system as a core feature, the Raptor has relied on external data sources and GPS-guided weapons when optical designation is required. The new pods would address this gap, giving the F-22 an independent passive targeting capability that works without emitting radar signals that could betray the aircraft's position.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<p>IRST systems are increasingly relevant in modern air combat: they detect the heat signature of aircraft engines and exhaust plumes, allowing a fighter to track and engage targets without switching on radar. As adversary aircraft have grown more sophisticated in detecting radar emissions, passive optical sensors have become a higher priority across multiple air forces.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h2 style=\"margin-top:1.8em;margin-bottom:0.4em;\">Stealth External Tanks<\/h2>\r\n\r\n<p>The addition of stealthy drop tanks is a separate but equally significant development. The F-22's combat radius has been a noted limitation in Pacific theatre planning scenarios \u2014 the distances involved in potential operations across the Western Pacific demand greater range than the internal fuel load provides. Standard external tanks degrade the aircraft's radar cross-section substantially; the new low-observable tanks aim to provide added fuel while preserving, at least partially, the stealth characteristics that make the F-22 viable in contested airspace.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<p>Both the pods and the tanks had been observed on F-22s previously \u2014 initial sightings date to March 2024 \u2014 but the March 2026 photographs represent the closest and clearest imagery of the systems to date. The Air Force made no effort to conceal the equipment, leading some analysts to suggest the public sighting may be intentional, serving as a visible signal of capability development.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure>\r\n <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/migflug.com\/afterburner\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/03\/f22-raptor-afterburner-night.jpg\" alt=\"F-22A Raptor stealth fighter with afterburner lit during night operations\" style=\"max-width:100%; height:auto;\" \/>\r\n <figcaption>An F-22 Raptor lights its afterburner \u2014 the aircraft remains the most capable air superiority fighter in the world, and ongoing upgrade work is aimed at keeping it that way through the 2030s. (Photo: USAF \/ Public Domain)<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n<p><em>Sources: The War Zone \u00b7 Aviation Week &amp; Space Technology<\/em><\/p>\n<!-- mfsh:bottom -->\n\n<button type=\"button\" class=\"mfsh-trigger mfsh-bottom\" data-mfsh-placement=\"bottom\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\"><svg><use href=\"#mfsh-i-share\"\/><\/svg>Share this story<\/button>\n\n<!-- \/mfsh:bottom -->\n\n\n<!-- mf-faq -->\n\n<div class=\"mf-faq-block\"><style>.mf-faq-block{margin:34px 0}.mf-faq-item:not([open]) .mf-faq-answer{display:none !important}.mf-faq-block h2.mf-faq-h{padding-top:22px;margin-bottom:14px}.mf-faq-item{border:1px solid #e2e8f5;border-radius:8px;margin:0 0 10px;background:#fff}.mf-faq-item summary{list-style:none;cursor:pointer;padding:15px 50px 15px 18px;font-weight:600;color:#1a1a1a;position:relative;line-height:1.45;user-select:none}.mf-faq-item summary::-webkit-details-marker{display:none}.mf-faq-item summary::after{content:\"+\";position:absolute;right:18px;top:50%;transform:translateY(-50%);font-size:1.5em;font-weight:400;color:#5C91FF;line-height:1}.mf-faq-item[open] summary::after{content:\"\\2013\"}.mf-faq-item[open] summary{border-bottom:1px solid #eef1f8}.mf-faq-item summary:hover{background:#f5f8ff}.mf-faq-answer{padding:14px 18px;color:#333;line-height:1.6}.mf-faq-answer p{margin:0}.mf-faq-answer a{color:#5C91FF}<\/style><h2 class=\"mf-faq-h\">Related Questions<\/h2><details class=\"mf-faq-item\"><summary>What is the F-22 Raptor?<\/summary><div class=\"mf-faq-answer\"><p>The F-22 Raptor is a US fifth-generation stealth air-superiority fighter built by Lockheed Martin, widely regarded as one of the most capable air-combat aircraft ever fielded. It combines stealth, supercruise, and advanced sensors. Production ended years ago, so the existing fleet receives upgrades to keep it dominant, like the ones tested at Edwards in 2026.<\/p><\/div><\/details><details class=\"mf-faq-item\"><summary>What new upgrades is the F-22 testing?<\/summary><div class=\"mf-faq-answer\"><p>In March 2026, an F-22A was photographed at Edwards Air Force Base testing two wing-mounted pods, at least one consistent with an infrared search and track (IRST) sensor, plus new low-radar-cross-section external fuel tanks. These upgrades extend the Raptor's range and sensing while preserving stealth, helping it stay ahead in <a href=\"https:\/\/migflug.com\/afterburner\/f-22-raptor-finnish-f-35-training-ebbing-2026\/\">fifth-generation air combat<\/a>.<\/p><\/div><\/details><details class=\"mf-faq-item\"><summary>What is an IRST sensor?<\/summary><div class=\"mf-faq-answer\"><p>IRST stands for infrared search and track, a passive sensor that detects aircraft by their heat signature rather than radar. Because it emits nothing, IRST helps a fighter find stealthy or radar-evading targets without revealing its own position. The F-22's tested pods appear to add this capability to the Raptor.<\/p><\/div><\/details><details class=\"mf-faq-item\"><summary>Why is the F-22 testing stealth fuel tanks?<\/summary><div class=\"mf-faq-answer\"><p>The F-22 has historically flown \"clean,\" without external tanks, to preserve its stealth. New tanks shaped to reduce radar reflection would let the Raptor carry more fuel and fly farther while keeping a low signature. The 2026 tests flew alongside a B-52H carrying <a href=\"https:\/\/migflug.com\/afterburner\/b-52-stratofortress-70-years-new-engines-rolls-royce-f130-b-52j-100-years\/\">the venerable bomber's<\/a> new cruise missiles.<\/p><\/div><\/details><details class=\"mf-faq-item\"><summary>Why is the F-22 no longer in production?<\/summary><div class=\"mf-faq-answer\"><p>F-22 production ended in 2011 after 195 aircraft, far fewer than originally planned, as costs rose and priorities shifted toward the multirole F-35. Because no new Raptors can be built, the Air Force invests in upgrades, like the sensor pods and stealth tanks tested in 2026, to keep the small fleet effective against modern threats.<\/p><\/div><\/details><\/div>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What is the F-22 Raptor?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The F-22 Raptor is a US fifth-generation stealth air-superiority fighter built by Lockheed Martin, widely regarded as one of the most capable air-combat aircraft ever fielded. It combines stealth, supercruise, and advanced sensors. Production ended years ago, so the existing fleet receives upgrades to keep it dominant, like the ones tested at Edwards in 2026.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What new upgrades is the F-22 testing?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"In March 2026, an F-22A was photographed at Edwards Air Force Base testing two wing-mounted pods, at least one consistent with an infrared search and track (IRST) sensor, plus new low-radar-cross-section external fuel tanks. These upgrades extend the Raptor's range and sensing while preserving stealth, helping it stay ahead in <a href=\\\"https:\/\/migflug.com\/afterburner\/f-22-raptor-finnish-f-35-training-ebbing-2026\/\\\">fifth-generation air combat<\/a>.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What is an IRST sensor?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"IRST stands for infrared search and track, a passive sensor that detects aircraft by their heat signature rather than radar. 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The 2026 tests flew alongside a B-52H carrying <a href=\\\"https:\/\/migflug.com\/afterburner\/b-52-stratofortress-70-years-new-engines-rolls-royce-f130-b-52j-100-years\/\\\">the venerable bomber's<\/a> new cruise missiles.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Why is the F-22 no longer in production?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"F-22 production ended in 2011 after 195 aircraft, far fewer than originally planned, as costs rose and priorities shifted toward the multirole F-35. Because no new Raptors can be built, the Air Force invests in upgrades, like the sensor pods and stealth tanks tested in 2026, to keep the small fleet effective against modern threats.\"}}]}<\/script><!-- \/mf-faq -->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Share this story Aviation photographer Jarod Hamilton captured the sharpest images yet of an F-22A Raptor flying with both stealthy external fuel tanks and specialised sensor pods at Edwards Air Force Base on March 21, 2026 \u2014 providing the clearest look to date at a significant upgrade package being developed for America&#8217;s premier air superiority [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":38640,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"editor_notices":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[664,670],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-37663","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-military-aviation","category-news"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.4 - 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