Move over, Buck Rogers!

Although it was never fully deployed, the F-22 Raptor is the next step above an "air superiority fighter." It is an "air supremacy fighter." Nothing can exist in the skies it patrols without its permission. That includes things on the other side of the horizon.

Here's a Lockheed-Martin sketch of the plane that may replace it in the circa 2030 era. Its offensive weaponry will not be limited to missiles and conventional guns.

It will also include lasers.

 

Hopefully we'll decide to fully deploy this one when the time comes.

HT: Drudge