T-50s maiden flight

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

F-22 Raptor

F-22 Raptor
F-22 Raptor
Role Stealth Air superiority fighter
National origin United States
Manufacturer Lockheed Martin Aeronautics
Boeing Integrated Defense Systems
First flight YF-22: 29 September 1990[1]
F-22: 7 September 1997[1]
Introduction 15 December 2005
FOC on 12 December 2007[2]
Status In service[3]
Primary user United States Air Force
Number built 145 as of September 2009,[4] (187 planned)
Program cost US$65 billion[5]
Unit cost US$142.6 million (2009 flyaway cost)[6]
Variants X-44 MANTA
FB-22


The Lockheed Martin/Boeing F-22 Raptor is a fifth-generation fighter aircraft that uses stealth technology. It was designed primarily as an air superiority fighter, but has additional capabilities that include ground attack, electronic warfare, and signals intelligence roles. Lockheed Martin Aeronautics is the prime contractor and is responsible for the majority of the airframe, weapon systems and final assembly of the F-22. Program partner Boeing Integrated Defense Systems provides the wings, aft fuselage, avionics integration, and all of the pilot and maintenance training systems.

The aircraft was variously designated F-22 and F/A-22 during the years prior to formally entering USAF service in December 2005 as the F-22A. Despite a protracted and costly development period, the United States Air Force considers the F-22 a critical component for the future of US tactical airpower, and claims that the aircraft is unmatched by any known or projected fighter,[3] while Lockheed Martin claims that the Raptor's combination of stealth, speed, agility, precision and situational awareness, combined with air-to-air and air-to-ground combat capabilities, makes it the best overall fighter in the world today.[7] Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, Chief of the Australian Defence Force, said in 2004 that the "F-22 will be the most outstanding fighter plane ever built."[8]

The high cost of the aircraft, a lack of a clear air to air combat mission because of the lengthy delays in the Russian and Chinese fifth generation fighter programs, a US ban on export of the Raptor to other countries, and the development of the cheaper and more versatile F-35 have resulted in calls to end F-22 production. In April 2009 the US Department of Defense proposed to cease placing new orders, subject to Congressional approval, for a final procurement tally of 187 Raptors.[9] The US Senate and House each passed 2010 budget bill versions without F-22 production funding in July 2009.[10] Congress will combine these versions into one bill for presidential approval.

Specifications (F-22 Raptor)


General characteristics

Performance

USAF poster overview of key features and armament.

Armament

Avionics


PICTURES OF F-22 RAPTOR

f_22_raptor_3


F 22 Raptor

F-22 Raptor

f222

Cockpit - Panel.jpg

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