The American fifth-generation fighter F-22 received underwing containers created taking into account the requirements of low visibility. Their purpose is unknown.
The F-22 fighter belonging to the 411th Test Squadron was spotted with new hanging containers. The photos were taken by spotter James Reader in Palmdale, California.
The purpose of the containers is unknown, but the very fact of their installation suggests that work on improving the capabilities of the F-22 is not being stopped and the United States does not want to abandon the aircraft in the foreseeable future.
F-22 with hanging containers
Image Source: James Reeder
Earlier, the Americans announced their intentions to equip the fighter with infrared search and tracking sensors (Infrared search and track, IRST), which will also make it possible to fight fifth-generation fighters more effectively. It is not specified exactly how the new equipment will be placed: perhaps the choice was made in favor of a suspended container.
This approach, with all the advantages, has one drawback: it increases the radar visibility of the aircraft, and this may affect its combat effectiveness. In the published photos, the containers have a stealth shape, which partially compensates for the "harm".
