Crowds were left to marvel at the world's most advanced fighter jet, as the F-22 Raptor made its European debut at the Farnborough Air Show.

Widely considered one of the world's most dangerous weapons, the audience watch in awe as the £71 million Raptor, built by Lockheed Martin, showed off its impressive bag of tricks in a 12-minute display.

The Raptor is capable of hitting speeds of up to 1,500mph, more than twice the speed of sound, and has a range of 2,000 miles.

It comes equipped with a 20mm cannon, six Aim-120 air-to-air missiles and two Aim-9 heat-seeking missiles, which are carried internally, making it the most agile fast jet ever.

The smooth lines of the Raptor help it to evade radar making it ideal for surveillance and intelligence work.

Major Paul Moga of the US Air Force, who flew the plane, said: "It's a privilege. I feel honoured and blessed."

A number of countries have shown interest in buying the F-22 although US Congress would have to change a law that makes it unavailable for export because it is deemed too good at what it does.

The ban was enacted 10 years ago, in an attempt to prevent the spread of US technological expertise, as well as prevent a regional arms race.

The F-22 is active at six US Air Force bases, including Langley Air Force Base in Virginia.