Boeing 757 mounts F-22’s new infrared sensor pod to verify upgrade plan

The Boeing 757 flight test platform, nicknamed "Catfish," was recently photographed for the first time carrying a new infrared sensor pod for the F-22 "Raptor" fighter jet. The outside world believes that it is related to the F-22 upgrade plan promoted by the US military. (Photo: Jerod Harris/U.S. Air Force)

[Compiled by Chen Chengliang/Comprehensive Report] The US military news website "The War Zone" reported that the US military's Boeing 757 flight test platform "Catfish", specially used for testing the F-22 Raptor fighter jet, was recently photographed for the first time mounting a new infrared sensor pod under the belly of the aircraft, indicating that the US military is continuing to advance the F-22 upgrade plan.

According to reports, this Boeing 757 with registration number N757A was photographed by a photographer while landing at Edwards Air Force Base in California. The photo shows that a low-profile sensor pod has been added to the front of the aircraft's belly. It is speculated that this is the new infrared sensing system test equipment in the F-22 upgrade plan "Raptor 2.0".

"Catfish" has been an important test platform for the F-22 since the 1990s. Its nose has been significantly modified to resemble the F-22 in appearance, and is equipped with the same AN/APG-77 active phased array radar (AESA). The aircraft is also equipped with a simulated F-22 cockpit and a large number of test equipment, which has long assisted the US military in verifying various sensors, radars and electronic warfare systems.

The report pointed out that the new infrared pod has actually been flown on some F-22 test aircraft for many years. However, due to the limited number of F-22s, high fuel consumption and expensive maintenance costs, the 757 test platform with larger space and longer endurance was used to perform some test tasks. This can improve test efficiency and facilitate the engineering team to analyze data directly on the aircraft.

Strengthen the ability to detect hidden targets

The report pointed out that this new sensing system may become part of the F-22's upgraded "Infrared Defensive System" (IRDS) in the future. This type of infrared search and tracking system (IRST) can detect and track through target heat sources without actively emitting radio waves. Therefore, it is not susceptible to electronic interference and can also improve the ability to detect hidden targets.

In recent years, the US military has been actively strengthening the application of IRST technology to cope with new challenges brought by stealth fighters and high-intensity electronic warfare environments. In addition to new sensors, the F-22 upgrade project planned by the US military also includes new stealth auxiliary fuel tanks, improved radar performance, enhanced electronic warfare systems, and the ability to command coordinated combat drones in the future.

"The War Zone" pointed out that although the F-22 has been in service for many years, the U.S. Air Force has not set a clear retirement schedule, indicating that this fighter will continue to serve as the main force of the U.S. military's air superiority in the next few decades, and the new sensor test exposed this time is the latest sign of related upgrades.