Timothy Paul Smith Photography
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United States Air Force F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team

The United States Air Force F‑22 Raptor Demo Team showcases the power, agility, and advanced technology of America’s premier air‑superiority fighter. This page features aviation photography capturing the Raptor’s extreme maneuverability, signature airshow routines, and the unmatched performance that has made the F‑22 one of the most anticipated demonstrations on the airshow circuit.

The United States Air Force’s Air Combat Command features several impressive demonstration teams, and the F‑22 Raptor Demo Team is one of the most popular. The team was created in 2007 to give spectators a close look at the Air Force’s newest 5th‑generation fighter. The F‑22 was built for air dominance, combining stealth, supercruise, extreme maneuverability, and advanced avionics. These features make the Raptor the Air Force’s top air‑superiority fighter. The first demo pilot and team commander was Paul “Max” Moga, who flew the demonstrations during the 2007 and 2008 seasons. After its debut, the F‑22 quickly became one of the most anticipated acts at airshows across the country.

Although the team cannot show every capability of the aircraft, the Raptor’s maneuverability alone is enough to amaze any crowd. The F‑22 can perform jaw‑dropping moves such as the Max Vertical Climb, Pedal Turn, Power Loop, and Tail Slide — maneuvers that seem to defy physics. Seeing an F‑22 demonstration in person is an unforgettable experience. The power, control, and agility of the aircraft make it unlike anything else in the sky. If you ever have the chance to watch the Raptor perform, don’t hesitate. The maneuvers look so incredible that, if I hadn’t seen them myself, I would think they were impossible.


F-22 Demo Fact Sheets

F-22 Media Package


2021 SUN 'n FUN Aerospace Expo

Lakeland Linder International Airport, Florida

Pilot: Major Joshua “Cabo” Gunderson

The Raptor High-Speed Dedication Pass at Lakeland Florida.

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Maj. Joshua Cabo Gunderson in the F-22 Raptor headed back to show center after completing the square loop.  This maneuver gave a unique opportunity for an angle not often captured on the airshow circuit. 

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The Raptor High-speed Dedication pass!

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The Heritage Flight with Raptor Demo Team, A-10 Demo Team, and the Classic warbird P-51D Mustang from Stallion 51.

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2021 Chennault International Airshow

Lake Charles, Louisiana

Pilot: Major Joshua “Cabo” Gunderson


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The 2020 Chennault International Airshow offered Cabo and The Raptor Demo Team an excellent opportunity for extreme vapor clouds while maneuvering.

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Cabo pulls the Raptor steep virtual climb Afterburners and vapor clouds.

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The Raptor High-speed Dedication pass at Chennault Airshow

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The Raptor High-speed pass at Chennault Airshow

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2021 Wings Over Houston Airshow

Houston, Texas

Pilot: Major Joshua “Cabo” Gunderson


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F-22 Raptor Demo headed straight down with Afterburners lit at 2021 Wings Over Houston Airshow.

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F-22 Raptor Demo "Golden Hour Raptor" with a perfect Texas Sky at 2021 Wings over Houston Airshow.

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F-22 Raptor Demo "Golden Hour Raptor high-speed pass" at 2021 Wings Over Houston Airshow.

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F-22 Raptor Demo "Off we go into the wild blue yonder" at 2021 Wings Over Houston Airshow.

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F-22 Raptor Demo "Climbing high into the sun" at 2021 Wings Over Houston Airshow.

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F-22 Raptor Demo "High-speed pass" at 2021 Wings Over Houston Airshow.

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F-22 Raptor Demo "Heritage Flight" with P-51 Mustang "Bum Steer" at 2021 Wings Over Houston Airshow.

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F-22 Raptor Demo Head on at 2021 Wings Over Houston Airshow.

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F-22 Raptor Demo "High-speed pass" top side view 2021 Wings Over Houston Airshow.

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F-22 Raptor Demo "Afterburner climb" 2021 Wings Over Houston Airshow.

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2020 Wings Over Houston Airshow

Houston, Texas

Pilot: Major Joshua “Cabo” Gunderson

The F-22, Take Off

Gear up!

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Raptor

Ripping

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Raptor

Vertical!

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Raptor

Burners for The Max Turn

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USAF F-22, Raptor

Aim High

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Raptor

High Alpha Pass

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Raptor

What an Arrival!

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Raptor

High-Speed Pass

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