F-22 Raptor Tested New Sensor Pods Over California
A test aircraft equipped with external pods performed mid-air refueling exercises above Aerospace Valley.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Current Conditions
Live Poll
Should the military prioritize retrofitting existing fighter jets with new sensors over developing new aircraft?
An F-22A Raptor test aircraft, identified by the callsign FEVER21, was photographed flying over California on September 19, 2026. The fighter jet carried two external sensor pods under its wings while conducting mid-air refueling with an NKC-135 tanker.
Why it matters
The development of these external pods seeks to integrate passive optical sensing capabilities into the F-22 airframe without the need for costly structural modifications. This approach may eventually provide the aircraft with enhanced infrared search-and-track or networking tools for future missions.
The F-22 carried two pods mounted under its outer wing stations, which featured transparent sections at their forward ends. The aircraft also displayed light-colored panels on its engine undersides and weapons bay doors during the flight.
The players
Edwards Air Force Base
This facility is a primary flight testing center for the U.S. Air Force located in the Mojave Desert.
The details
The test flight involved coordination with an NKC-135 tanker, callsign GHOST81, which is stationed at Edwards Air Force Base. These pods are being explored as a means to add electronic warfare, networking, or infrared capabilities to assist with collaborative combat aircraft operations.
Timeline
February 2022 marked the initial spotting of these pods during flight testing.
March 2026 saw the pods appear in conjunction with new stealth external fuel tanks.
September 19, 2026, was the date when the latest photos of the aircraft were taken over California.
Seasonal Patterns
The testing of these modular sensor pods follows a pattern set by the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program by prioritizing adaptable, network-ready technology.
These flight tests involve standard military activity over Aerospace Valley and pose no direct disruption to local civilian infrastructure. Residents in the area may occasionally witness increased aerial maneuvers as part of routine testing operations from nearby military installations.
The takeaway
The use of external pods allows the Air Force to upgrade legacy airframes with modern sensor suites without invasive engineering changes. This strategy highlights a shift toward modularity in military hardware that could extend the service life of aging aircraft fleets.
Further reading
For more updates on military technology and aviation developments, visit the Current Conditions page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Aviationist.
Live Poll
Should the military prioritize retrofitting existing fighter jets with new sensors over developing new aircraft?
