F-22A Raptor — Freeware Edition

Top Mach Studios built this freeware model for MSFS 2020 with a custom cockpit and exterior. The package includes two selectable finishes: clean paint and a weathered appearance.

Cockpit and controls

The head-up display provides flight information above the instrument panel. The multifunction screens use adapted Garmin G3000 instruments for navigation, moving maps, engine indications and autopilot controls. A simulated fly-by-wire system manages pitch trim and limits the aircraft's response in pitch, roll and yaw.

The supplied 29-page manual explains the screens, cockpit switches, flight controls and operating limitations. It is the original September 2021 manual; the aircraft package itself is version 1.1.2, which includes the author's later control-lockup fix for Sim Update 9.

Before your first flight

Use the Modern flight model and a joystick, yoke or supported game controller. Keyboard-only flight control is not supported by this model. The author recommends switching off piloting assistance, particularly automatic rudder, and using Legacy cockpit interaction if switches do not respond as expected.

If you already have an older F-22 freeware installation, check for a duplicate before installing this copy. The early folder name was evanburnsdev-f22raptor; later releases used topmachstudios-f22a-raptor. Do not install two copies together.

Freeware edition and limitations

This is the freeware release 1.1.2 of 17 August 2022. Top Mach Studios ended development of this edition in August 2024. Its separate paid product is not included.

The freeware model does not simulate the real aircraft's thrust-vectoring manoeuvres. It also does not provide functioning weapons. Its handling and avionics are a simulation of an aircraft for which complete public technical data is unavailable. MSFS 2024 compatibility has not been confirmed.

Created by Evan Burns, Adam Burry and DakFly0219 of Top Mach Studios, with additional vortex effects credited to FlaminFenix. The original licence, installation notes and manual accompany the package.

Original MSFS 2020 freeware release 1.1.2. No MSFS 2024 author confirmation or simulator test is claimed.

Use the Modern flight model and a supported flight controller. Keep the standard Asobo cockpit core, shared instruments, NavSystems and WASM instrument packages installed. Required sound banks and the aircraft WASM module are already included. Resolve any duplicate F-22 freeware installation before adding this copy.

Freeware development ended in August 2024. No keyboard-only flight control, functioning weapons or true thrust-vectoring manoeuvres. MSFS 2024 unconfirmed. The original manual predates the final freeware update.

Version 1.1.2, 17 August 2022: fixes a control lockup reported after Sim Update 9.

• Top Mach Studios Freeware End User License Agreement

  For terms covering use, modification and redistribution, consult the licence or README files supplied with the add-on.

  View the author’s add-on page

Author

Top Mach Studios

Original author

Top Mach Studios, LLC