The F-22 Raptor, one of the most advanced fighter jets ever developed, has captivated audiences once again with a viral video that shows the aircraft seemingly “activating its cloaking device” as it nears the sound barrier. The footage, captured by photographer and videographer Mark Fingar, has sparked widespread fascination online, as viewers marvel at the visual phenomenon that makes the jet appear almost invisible for a brief moment.
This incredible sight, often referred to as a vapor cone, is not the product of science fiction but rather a natural occurrence when an object, such as the F-22, travels at high speed through moist air. As the aircraft accelerates, the localized air pressure around it drops, causing a corresponding drop in temperature. When the temperature falls below the saturation point, a cloud forms around the object, enveloping it in a shroud of mist that gives the illusion of the plane disappearing. This effect, combined with the shockwaves created as the jet approaches the speed of sound, produces a visual spectacle that has been compared to something out of a Harry Potter movie or a scene from an action film.
The F-22 Raptor, developed by Lockheed Martin for the United States Air Force, first took to the skies in 1997 after six years of development. At the time, it was hailed as a revolutionary piece of military technology, capable of achieving speeds of up to 1,500 mph—2.2 times the speed of sound. The jet’s design allows it to burn around 5,000 pounds of fuel every hour, a testament to its immense power and capabilities. Despite discussions of retiring the F-22 by the end of the decade, recent upgrades have extended its operational life, likely keeping it in service into the 2030s.
The viral video has reignited interest in the F-22 Raptor, not just for its military prowess but for the sheer spectacle it creates when in motion. Social media has been abuzz with reactions to the footage, with one user humorously commenting that the jet “activated its cloaking device,” while others compared the vapor cone effect to magical or supernatural phenomena. This reaction is a testament to the jet’s enduring allure and the awe it continues to inspire, even decades after its initial development.
Rod Irvine, chairman of the Royal Aeronautical Society’s aerodynamics group, explained the science behind the vapor cone effect, noting that while the aircraft itself may not be traveling faster than the speed of sound, the air moving over its wings is accelerated to such a degree that it locally breaks the sound barrier. This explanation adds a layer of understanding to the stunning visual, showing that while the F-22 Raptor may not be equipped with a literal cloaking device, the combination of speed, pressure, and atmospheric conditions can create an effect that is every bit as mesmerizing.
As the F-22 Raptor continues to serve in the United States Air Force, its ability to capture the imagination of the public remains undiminished. Whether viewed as a symbol of military might or as a marvel of aeronautical engineering, the F-22 continues to leave a lasting impression, both in the skies and online. The viral video is just the latest chapter in the story of this remarkable aircraft, one that continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in aviation.
