Talking with an F-22 test pilot from Edwards gave me a lil insight into how the Raptor is able to attain supersonic speeds without the use of an afterburner.  The F-22 initially climbs to an altitude between 40000 and 45000 feet.  At this altitude the air is less dense, which produces less drag on the aircraft.  At military (approx 70-80% max power) the F-22 goes into a shallow dive, increasing its speed past Mach 1 to approx Mach 1.5.  Once the aircraft has pushed through the sound barrier the drag on the aircraft reduces, allowing military power to sustain its supersonic speed.  The Raptor is then able to return to operating altitudes (30000 - 35000 feet) while remaining supersonic.

 

This method of supercruising is not necessarily an issue of having the required power to muscle through the sound barrier and increased transonic drag.  It has been theorized that other aircraft (F-4, F-15, F-111, Eurofighter Typhoon, Rafale) may be able to "supercruise" using this technique.   However, because I am not privy to how the other aircraft may or may not be able to supercruise I cannot comment on those.    In several flight simulation games (Microsoft Flight Simulator, Janes F-15, and Lock-On Modern Air Combat) my friend and I have been able to attain supersonic flight without afterburners with an F-15 in the clean configuration and internal fuel only using the above mentioned technique.  However, these are merely simulations and cannot be relied on as how actual aircraft may be able to supercruise.

I especially like the White Flag Speed Brakes...saves the pilot possible injury from opening his canaopy and waving one at high speeds.