Scale Model of the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor Showcasing some of its "Raptor 2.0" Improvements

At the 2026 edition of the Air Force Association (AFA) Warfare Symposium in Aurora, Colorado, Lockheed Martin displayed a scale model of their F-22 Raptor showcasing some of the "Raptor 2.0" improvements currently being tested on operational aircraft.

Scale Model of the underside of the Lockheed Martin F-22 "Raptor 2.0" showing new Stealth Drop Tanks, Stealth IRST Pods and Six AIM-120 ARAMM Missiles

The two most prominent new features of the "Raptor 2.0" are the new stealth drop tanks, which can be seen on the inboard wing pylons and the stealthy Infrared Search and Track (IRST) pods located on the outboard wing pylons.

Scale Model of the Lockheed Martin F-22 "Raptor 2.0" showcasing its new Stealth Drop Tanks (Inboard) and Stealth IRST Pods (outboard)

Unlike conventional drop tanks, which are discarded once a fighter enters an engagement with an enemy fighter, these new 600-gallon stealth drop tanks are intended to stay attached even during the fight. This gives the F-22 extra combat range with little degradation of its stealth profile. Lockheed Martin was not forthcoming about any performance degradation while carrying these new stealth drop tanks

Previously Released Rendering of the Lockheed Martin F-22 "Raptor 2.0" in Action. Note the AGM-260 JATM Missile Being Fired by it.

The new IRST pods correct one of the F-22 Raptor's few shortcomings in comparison to its competitors. While an IRST sensor was originally intended for the F-22 during development, it was eliminated as a cost saving measure. Despite this shortcoming, the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor, the world's first 5th generation stealth fighter, is still considered to be the best fighter in the world today, despite being over 20 years old. It will ultimately loose its title only to its successor, the Boeing F-47 when it becomes operational in the early 2030's.

Scale Model of the Lockheed F-22 "Raptor 2.0" Shown at Various Angles

Lockheed Martin F-22 "Raptor 2.0" in Flight Testing Earlier This Year.

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