Rapid Raptor package: U.S. Air Force's new concept for deploying four F-22 stealth fighters in 24 hours

The U.S. Air Force’s 3rd Wing at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, has conceived a new rapid deployment concept that allows to deploy a package of F-22s and supporting logistics to any forward operating base and have the stealth fighter jet ready for combat operations within 24 hours of deploying with a small logistics footprint.

According to Air Force Magazine, the 3rd Wing has tested this new rapid deployment package during several exercises and, although it is scalable, it is built around four F-22 airframes and a single C-17 Globemaster cargo whose role is to carry materials, munitions and maintainers in theater.

In a recent interview with Daily Report, Pacific Air Forces Commander Gen. Hawk Carlisle said that the Rapid Raptor Package denies the enemy the ability to locate the F-22s for an extended period by preventing adversaries from knowing from which airbases the only U.S. 5th generation fighter plane launch.

The agility of the new deployment package denies a potential adversary the ability to locate the F-22s for an extended period and make the precious assets less targetable.

It must be noticed that, even if such kind of deployment could be completed fairly easily, quickly and possibly in a stealthy manner, it involves just two pairs of Raptors, a ridiculous amount even for a small scale operation.