Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF)

The Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF) was a U.S. development program in the late 1980s aiming to create a next-generation fighter jet to replace the F-15 and F-16. It focused on combining stealth (making the aircraft hard to detect), super-maneuverability, advanced sensors, and high speed. The goal was to maintain air superiority against emerging threats. This project resulted in the F-22 Raptor, which became the U.S. Air Force’s premier stealth fighter, capable of rapid, precise strikes and deep penetration into enemy airspace. The ATF represented a significant leap in fighter technology, emphasizing stealth, agility, and advanced combat systems.