Just How Fuel-Hungry Is The F-22 Raptor In Supercruise?

According to recent testing, the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor consumes significantly more fuel when operating in its supercruise mode compared to other aircraft. Specifically, the F-22’s fuel burn rate is markedly higher than that of an F-15 Eagle utilizing afterburner propulsion while maintaining a similar velocity. This difference highlights the unique operational characteristics and design considerations associated with the F-22's supercruise capability. The research indicates that sustained supersonic flight without traditional thrust augmentation demands substantial energy expenditure from the Raptor. Further investigation into optimizing this process remains a key area for future development within the program.