The F-22's range has always been its biggest weakness and external tanks would be a critical component for executing combat operations over great distances of the Pacific against a major opponent - China. This new initiative looks to integrate a more efficient tank design and a pylon that leads to very little, if any, radar cross-section disruption compared to a 'clean' F-22 once the tanks and pylons are jettisoned. While losing the tanks and pylons in flight would still leave the F-22 with a degraded radar cross-section - the connection points and plumbing would still be partially exposed - it would make the jet much harder to spot on radar compared to having the tanks or even just the pylons still be attached. Part of the F-22 program developed this system. The F-22 has flown operationally with 600-gallon fuel tanks for years, as well as pylons that can be jettisoned with them. This low-drag tanks and pylons initiative is quite interesting as it is also part of the ATD, which also is connected to the NGAD technologies test and integration arrangement. Documentation of the development and integration components as part of the Engineering, Manufacturing, and Development (EMD) program will be captured under the LDTP major thrust. LDTP risk reduction activities are captured under the Advanced Technology Development (ATD) major thrust. The pylons are equipped with smart rack pneumatic technology to accurately control ejection performance and smooth wind swept surface for minimum drag without store. The low drag tanks are intended to reduce drag, facilitate supersonic flight with external tanks and extend the range of the F-22. The F-22 LDTPs are advanced technological designs providing increased persistence and range while maintaining lethality and survivability. Due to the advancement of adversary technologies in detection and emergence of fighter, cargo, and refueling platforms increasing engagement ranges, it is critical to future mission execution and success to provide the Raptor with an increased range capability while maintaining own-ship survivability. The F-22 Low Drag Tank and Pylon (LDTP) capability is critical to maintaining Air Superiority in the joint fight and combating emerging threats.
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