I got to watch one of these at a local air show about 10 years ago. When that thing went vertical, it was out of sight before I knew what was going on.

I saw one at this airshow a few years ago. Ye gods it was hard tracking it with my camera.

I remember seeing an F-117 at an airshow years ago. I was one of very few people to get clear photos of it. (Of course, I wasn't using a camera with an auto-focus. (wink))

Funny how the (B-29?) aft makes it look as if it's a pusher prop design...

There was a prop-driven transport behind it, and yeah it does look like a pusher.

Actually I believe this is the F-35A. The F-22 Raptor has a different body shape

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loc.....in_F-22_Raptor

YOu're correct.

the fact it can pass mach 1 without afterburning is amazing.

the F-4 was fast as hell but in Vietnam there were virtually no flights that involved afterburner. probably too expensive and/or shortens the range. also it probably wasn't very necessary/useful

it makes a lot of sense for an interceptor. able to go fast to intercept without dumping so much fuel out the burners

Not having to go afterburner also helps its stealthiness by reducing it heat signature.