Shadowing Practice: The Most Lethal Fighter Jet Ever Built | F-22 Raptor - Learn English Speaking with Video
Choose a practice mode
Each mode opens a full-screen practice room.
150 sentences
If sentences are too short or too long, click Edit to adjust them.
1
This is the F-22 Raptor, the most lethal and dominant air-to-air fighter jet in the world.
2
With the ability to fly at speeds upwards of 1500 miles per hour
3
while carving through the sky with its stealth technology and thrust vectoring capabilities, the F-22 has certainly earned the title king of the sky.
4
Well today I'm out here with the Hawaii Air National Guard
5
at Hickam Air Force Base to bring you up close to the F-22
6
and learn what makes this the most feared fighter jet in the world.
7
Hi, Captain Pete Watt Van Lee-Rubink, F-22 pilot with the Hawaii National Guard out here at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii.
8
Behind me is a fifth generation stealth fighter, the F-22 Raptor, a world's most capable and deadly aircraft.
9
Some attributes that make us so lethal are our stealth capability, our super crews, our sensor fusion,
10
and our ability to have high situational awareness in the current battle space.
11
So let's break that down.
12
When it comes to stealth capability, the F-22 is coated with radar absorbing paint called LO, which stands for low observability.
13
This is what allows the F-22 to remain virtually undetected on enemy radar, and by the time it might finally show up, well, it's usually too late.
14
The F-22 is an air dominance fighter, meaning it was designed to outperform and outmaneuver anything in the sky.
15
It's capable of flying twice the speed of sound, up to 60,000 feet high, and is extremely maneuverable.
16
The Raptor comes with two Pratt & Whitney F119 turbofan engines that each produce 35,000 pounds of thrust.
17
These engines allow the F-22 to maintain supercruise, a term used to describe the ability to fly supersonic without using afterburner.
18
The pilot also has the ability to control the direction of the thrust up
19
and down by roughly 20 degrees in what's called thrust vectoring.
20
This is what allows the F-22 to perform some absolutely ridiculous maneuvers that almost seem to defy the laws of physics themselves.
21
When it comes to munitions, the F-22 can carry six AIM-120 radar missiles as well as two Sidewinder heat-seeking missiles.
22
It also comes with a six-barrel Gatling gun which can fire 6,000 rounds per minute.
23
It's an absolutely fascinating aircraft, and here at the Hawaii Air National Guard, the units are comprised of both active duty and traditional guardsmen,
24
a concept called Total force integration, which was designed to create an even more effective and efficient air force.
25
The Hawaiian Raptors are a total force integration unit and the Air National Guard is the lead.
26
We have an active associate here, which means that there's two fighter squadrons here with the Air National Guard making up one fighter squadron
27
and the active duty making up the other fighter squadron.
28
Hey Sam, welcome back to the jet.
29
I know it's been a minute, it must be good to see the Raptor in person again.
30
I definitely miss her, she's looking good, it's been a minute.
31
But yeah, this angle right here was always my favorite, right, because it's such a massive aircraft.
32
But when you look at it straight on, it just seems to disappear because of that stealth and those angles, right?
33
Yeah, absolutely.
34
You know, not only was the jet designed to defeat radar via stealth, but actually its signature when it's pointing at something really reduces its visual pickup.
35
So, great observation.
36
When we're pointing at something, it's really difficult to pick us up visually.
37
Yeah, well, I know I've seen it before, but I definitely want to give the viewers a chance to get up close and take a look at this thing.
38
So, let's do a walk around and go to the first stop.
39
Perfect, sounds good.
40
So this is the office space, I guess you could call it, for the F-22.
41
So as you can see, it's a single seat fighter, no two seaters ever built.
42
So for your first flight in the Raptor, it's no kidding a solo with a national asset.
43
So a huge responsibility, but it's a tremendous airplane to fly.
44
One of my favorite things about the F-22 is the situational awareness
45
that we get from all the sensors and data sharing that we have.
46
And that kind of all happens in the cockpit.
47
We have all our displays, all that data information is processed to make it very user friendly.
48
So we have tremendous amount of situational awareness in the battle space.
49
must be one of the best offices in the world, right?
50
And it's not a bad view.
51
I am just so bummed it's only a single seater
52
because this is the one aircraft I would love to experience what it's like to pull 9Gs in.
53
So I'm just happy to take your word for it.
54
Absolutely, you know, 9G, it's a monster.
55
It's got 70,000 pounds of thrust with T.
56
Pratt Whitney F11911 engine.
57
So it is absolutely a beast to fly.
58
A lot of fun, a lot of power.
59
Goes where you want it to go, does what you want it to do.
60
Hey Sam, for our tools, we got everything stored internally to help reduce our radar cross section.
61
So we've got two AIM-9s, those are IR, kind of within visual range, short range missiles.
62
In the main weapon bay, we've got six AIM-120s.
63
Those are thinking medium range type missiles, radar missiles, where you're shooting beyond visual range.
64
And then right up here, we've got the gun, it's a 20-mic mic, six-barrel Vulcan cannon over there.
65
We do have the ability to do air-to-ground stuff, in which we can carry 2x JDAMs or 8x small diameter bombs.
66
But really the bread and butter of the F-22s is going to be our missiles and our bullets.
67
Now when it comes to the F-22's weapon systems, the technology from Raytheon is what supplies the Raptor with the munitions it needs.
68
In fact, it was the F-22
69
that was recently called upon to blast a Chinese surveillance balloon and several other high-altitude objects right out of the sky, using Raytheon's AIM-9X air-to-air missile.
70
But to be on the leading edge of defense technology, you have to continue innovating, and that's exactly what Raytheon has done.
71
They're working on a trio of effectors across multiple platforms, including the F-35, F-15, and F-18, with the AIM-120 AMRAAM leading the way.
72
With the form, fit, function refresh, and software upgrades, the AIM-120D3 and C8 are like a whole new AMRAAM,
73
with longer range and more capabilities than ever before.
74
When it comes to air-to-ground, Raytheon has the Stormbreaker Smart Weapon, a network-enabled weapon with a tri-mode seeker
75
that can fly more than 45 miles to strike mobile targets even in the worst weather conditions.
76
This reduces the amount of time air crews are having to spend in harm's way.
77
And completing Raytheon's air dominance portfolio is the Joint Strike Missile, a long-distance, highly survivable and maneuverable weapon that takes on heavily defended targets on land and at sea.
78
With the JSM, Top Gun Maverick would have been a much shorter movie, as a Joint Strike Missile could have navigated the entire mission, firing from far away.
79
It's no secret that Raytheon works on some incredible technology, and if this is something that interests you, they're hiring across their entire company.
80
I've left a link in the description below where you can go to learn more about career opportunities and how to apply.
81
And a huge thanks to Raytheon for making epic videos like this possible.
82
Welcome to the rear of the F-22.
83
We've got two Pratt Whitney F119 engines capable of producing 35,000 pounds of thrust apiece, so that's 70,000 pounds of thrust.
84
Super capable engines, very reliable.
85
We're a Mach 2 type airplane that can get us up to about 60,000 feet.
86
Another great asset for the F-22 is we're a super maneuverable airplane.
87
We've got massive flight controls as well as thrust vectoring.
88
What you can see on this engine right here is the nozzles are actually in the open position.
89
Once the jet starts up, those things will actually compress to go zero.
90
And then when we're flying, we can actually manipulate the nozzles to either deflect upwards or downwards.
91
And what that helps us do is just makes us very maneuverable when we're doing BFM, basic fighter maneuvers.
92
So thinking within visual range, dog fighting type stuff.
93
It gives us a great, great platform to be highly maneuverable and then highly lethal.
94
Alright Watt, one of my favorite parts of the F-22 is just how massive these flight control surfaces are.
95
Can you talk a little bit about what these things are able to allow the F-22 to do?
96
Sure, absolutely Sam.
97
So like you said, flight controls are massive.
98
The horizontal stabs are actually about the size of an F-16 wing.
99
They're center point pivot, so we get insane maneuverability off of the horizontal stabs.
100
Another really cool thing about the F-22 is it's fly-by-wire.
101
So for other pilots out there on the traditional Cessna, Pipers, when you do left pedal, that's going to command left rudder.
102
But on this airplane, it'll actually send out the core processor
103
and the airplane will actually determine what flight controls to manipulate to best solve that pilot's request input.
104
So absolutely optimizes maneuverability and just makes it a very easy, smooth airplane to fly.
105
It really is like flying a futuristic spaceship, isn't it?
106
Oh, absolutely.
107
It's an amazing airplane.
108
Just looking at it, it looks like it's not from this world.
109
So now that you've had the chance to look at the F-22 up close, I say we head inside the squadron to see where the pilots gear up and mission plan before every flight.
110
But it's also more than just the pilot in the jet.
111
Inside this squadron are hundreds of airmen from all different types of career fields who come together to help accomplish the mission.
112
So right inside here is aircrew flight equipment.
113
Now you can basically think of that like a locker room but for F-22 pilots.
114
It's where they all go to gear up before each flight.
115
Now there's actually a training mission taking off a little bit later this afternoon, so a few of the pilots are in there gearing up right now.
116
I say we head inside and check out some of that gear that they wear for every flight.
117
So we just briefed, just stepped, got all suited up to go fly.
118
This is the gear we're gonna go fly with starting from feet to cranium.
119
This is our G suit.
120
This hose connects us to the jet.
121
Once we're under G, this will actually inflate their little bladders in here, which help from blood pooling at our lower extremities, which helps keep us conscious.
122
The F-22 is a 9G airplane, so definitely need every advantage to optimize the envelope of the F-22.
123
Working up, this is our harness.
124
So we've got a lot of goodies in here.
125
Got some snacks, some radios.
126
In the case we do have to get out of the airplane, we do have some resources to survive on the ground and also coordinate for rescue efforts.
127
Up here, this is our LPU light preserver unit.
128
Once we hit water, this will automatically inflate to keep us floating above the surface.
129
And then here we've got our, this connects us to our parachute risers.
130
In the event that we do have to get out of the airplane, this is what connects us to the risers for our parachute.
131
Moving over to the helmet, we'll put this on.
132
This is where all calm happens, as well as our oxygen.
133
So again, this connects to the airplane.
134
We get oxygen supply.
135
And then here, the mask.
136
This is where our communication equipment is where we can talk between each other, as well as in our earpieces to receive.
137
So quite a bit of get up, a lot to wear, but keeps us safe and our APE guys do a great job
138
making sure that we're always ready to fly.
139
And of course if you're an F-22 pilot,
140
you've gotta have a rage button, so here we go. As the
141
pilot strapped into the jet and the maintainers prepped the aircraft for launch, I was able to get a front row seat for the entire thing.
142
Now, because the F-22 only has one seat, that means I'm not going to be able to go up for a ride.
143
However, the Hawaii Air National Guard wasn't going to leave me hanging, and in fact, they treated me to the next best thing.
144
Seeing the F-22 through this video really only gives you a part of the story.
145
But if there was one thing I wish I could convey to you, it's the feeling of being able to watch it blast off in person, standing out on the runway just a few feet away.
146
It is absolutely wild.
147
Well guys, there you have it, the mighty F-22 Raptor.
148
This aircraft will forever be one of my favorites, and it was a blast getting to hang out here with the Hawaii Air National Guard to showcase this incredible platform.
149
Huge thanks to the entire team here at Hickam Air Force Base for having me out, and as always, I hope you guys learned something new.
150
Thanks for tuning in, and I'll catch you next time.
Download App
Everything you need to speak fluently
AI PronunciationScore every sentence
IPA PracticeMaster every sound
VocabularyBuild your word bank
Vocab GameLearn while playing
📺 Same Channel
C12
Flying the Marine Corps’ $100M F-35B Stealth Fighter Jet
Daily ConversationWorking Adults
C14
How The World's Most Powerful Fighter Jet Engine Is Made
Daily ConversationWorking Adults
B23
Inside America’s Oldest Private Military College | Norwich University
Daily ConversationUniversity StudentsWorking Adults
C12
Flying the Most Advanced F-15 Ever Built
Daily ConversationWorking Adults
B21
What Actually Happens Inside a Space Force Launch
Daily ConversationWorking Adults
C14
Flying the Air Force's $320M Supersonic B-1 Bomber
IELTS PrepTOEFL PrepUniversity Students
✨ Recommend Video
C17
263 sentences
Inside The World's Most Powerful Stealth Bomber
University StudentsWorking Adults
B22
41 sentences
Why are airplanes slower than they used to be Alex Gendler
Daily ConversationUniversity StudentsWorking Adults
B213
13 sentences
The Most Dangerous Animal
Daily ConversationUniversity StudentsWorking Adults
B22
129 sentences
Formula 1, Explained for Rookies
American AccentBusiness EnglishUniversity StudentsWorking Adults
C1115
15 sentences
Could Humans Evolve Flight?
Daily ConversationUniversity StudentsWorking Adults
B2133 sentences
How Mitsubishi Terrorized Australia
University StudentsWorking Adults
B23
114 sentences
Sniper rifle review - The AWM (LA115A3) Arctic Warfare Magnum
Business EnglishUniversity StudentsWorking Adults
B25
108 sentences
How To Break Fear - Jon Jones
Business EnglishUniversity StudentsWorking Adults
B21
274 sentences
WATCH this video before BECOMING A PILOT! Tips by CAPTAIN JOE
Business EnglishInterview EnglishUniversity Students
B22
246 sentences
You Are Alive to Watch the Space Station Fall From the Sky
Daily ConversationUniversity StudentsWorking Adults
C12
298 sentences
Godfather of AI WARNS: "You Have No Idea What's Coming"
Daily ConversationUniversity StudentsWorking Adults
B22
212 sentences
I Built a Fully Autonomous Flying Umbrella
Business EnglishUniversity StudentsWorking Adults
Vocabulary and speaking notes for this lesson
This B2 speaking lesson is built on the video “The Most Lethal Fighter Jet Ever Built”. The speaker keeps coming back to these words: airplane, fly, missile, fighter, pilot. This video has 150 sentences and 2260 words to shadow. The speech runs for 12:52. The speaker talks at a natural 176 words per minute, close to everyday conversation. Only 80% of the words are among the 3,000 most common in English, so the vocabulary is demanding.
Key vocabulary in this video
The 15 most advanced words in the video, with pronunciation and meaning:
| Word | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| airplane noun | /ˈɛɹˌpleɪ̯n/ | A powered heavier-than-air aircraft with fixed wings: a fixed-wing aircraft with at least one engine or electric motor. |
| missile noun | /ˈmɪs.aɪl/ | Any object used as a weapon by being thrown or fired through the air, such as stone, arrow or bullet. |
| thrust verb | /θɹʌst/ | To make advance with force. |
| stealth noun | /stɛlθ/ | The attribute or characteristic of acting in secrecy, or in such a way that the actions are unnoticed or difficult to detect by others. |
| radar noun | /ˈɹeɪˌdɑɹ/ | In full primary radar: a method of detecting a distant object and determining its position, velocity, or other characteristics by analysing radio waves… |
| maneuverable adjective | /məˈnuːvəɹəbəl/ | Able to be maneuvered |
| squadron noun | /ˈskwɒd.ɹən/ | A body of infantrymen made up of several platoons, averaging from eighty to one hundred and fifty men, and led by a captain or a major. |
| capability noun | /ˌkeɪ.pəˈbɪl.ɪ.ti/ | The power or ability to generate an outcome. |
| situational adjective | /sɪtjuːˈeɪʃənəl/ | Of or pertaining to a particular situation or situations in general. |
| lethal adjective | /ˈliː.θəl/ | Of, pertaining to, or causing death; deadly; mortal; fatal. |
| vector noun | /ˈvɛktɚ/ | A directed quantity, one with both magnitude and direction; the signed difference between two points. |
| inflate verb | /ɪnˈfleɪt/ | To enlarge an object by pushing air (or a gas) into it; to raise or expand abnormally |
| manoeuvrability noun | The quality of being manoeuvrable; ability to be manoeuvred. | |
| munition noun | /ˌmjuˈnɪʃən/ | Materials of war: armaments, weapons and ammunition. |
| nozzle noun | /ˈnɒzəl/ | A short tube, usually tapering, forming the vent of a hose or pipe. |
Phrasal verbs you will hear
| Word | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| get out of verb | To leave, exit or escape from; to become free of. | |
| get up verb | To move in an upward direction; to ascend or climb. | |
| make up verb | /ˌmeɪk ˈʌp/ | To constitute, to compose. |
| check out verb | To record the departure or withdrawal of someone or something (such as guests, employees, books, etc.). | |
| go up for verb | Of the fielding side, to appeal for the batsman or batswoman to be out. | |
| send out verb | To issue, dispatch or transmit. | |
| show up verb | To appear, arrive, or attend, especially suddenly or erratically. | |
| start up verb | /stɑɹˈtʌp/ | To rise suddenly. |
Grammar in this video
The structures the speaker uses most, with the exact words from the video:
| Structure | In the video |
|---|---|
| Present perfect have/has + past participle — a past action that still matters now | has certainly earned · it's been · I've seen |
| Passive voice be + past participle — the focus is on what happens, not who does it | is coated · was designed · are comprised |
| Relative clauses who / which + clause — extra information about a person or thing | gun which can · integration, which was · here, which means |
Pronunciation to watch
The speaker uses 34 contractions and reduced forms, such as we're, we've, I'm. Say them the short way, as you hear them.
- The “th” sounds: thrust /θɹʌst/, stealth /stɛlθ/, lethal /ˈliː.θəl/
- The “sh” and “zh” sounds: situational /sɪtjuːˈeɪʃənəl/, munition /ˌmjuˈnɪʃən/, parachute /ˈpæɹəʃut/, refresh /ɹɪˈfɹɛʃ/, showcase /ˈʃoʊˌkeɪs/
- Long words — get the stress right: maneuverable /məˈnuːvəɹəbəl/, capability /ˌkeɪ.pəˈbɪl.ɪ.ti/, situational /sɪtjuːˈeɪʃənəl/, manipulate /məˈnɪp.jʊ.leɪt/, horizontal /ˌhoɹəˈzɑn.təl/
How to practise with this video
- Listen to the whole video once without speaking and note the words you do not know.
- Start at 0.75× speed, shadow it sentence by sentence, then go back to normal speed once it feels easy.
- Record yourself and compare with the original, paying attention to words like airplane, missile, thrust.
What is the Shadowing Technique?
Shadowing is a science-backed language learning technique originally developed for professional interpreter training and popularized by polyglot Dr. Alexander Arguelles. The method is simple but powerful: you listen to native English audio and immediately repeat it out loud — like a shadow following the speaker with just a 1–2 second delay. Unlike passive listening or grammar drills, shadowing forces your brain and mouth muscles to simultaneously process and reproduce real speech patterns. Research shows it significantly improves pronunciation accuracy, intonation, rhythm, connected speech, listening comprehension, and speaking fluency — making it one of the most effective methods for IELTS Speaking preparation and real-world English communication.