An F-22 flies over Andrews Air Force Base ( Role Stealth air superiority fight National origin United States Manufacturer Lockheed Martin Aeronauti Boeing Defense, Space & Sec First flight 7 September 1997 [1] Introduction 15 December 2005 Status In service Primary user United States Air Force Produced F-22: 1996–2011 [2] Number built 195 (8 test and 187 operatio aircraft) [2][3] Program cost US$66.7 billion [4] Unit cost US$150 million ( flyaway cos FY2009) [5] Developed from Lockheed YF-22 Developed into Lockheed Martin X-44 MAN Lockheed Martin FB-22 The Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor is a single- seat, twin-engine , all weather stealth tactical fighter aircraft developed for the United States Air Force (USAF). The result of the USAFs Advanced Tactical Fighter program, the aircraft was designed primarily as an air superiority fighter , but has additional capabilities including ground attack, electronic warfare, and signals intelligence roles. [6] Lockheed Martin is the prime contractor and is responsible for the majority of the airframe, weapon systems, and final assembly of the F-22, while program partner Boeing provides the wings, aft fuselage, avionics integration, and training systems. The aircraft was variously designated F-22 and F/A-22 prior to formally entering service in December 2005 as the F-22A . Despite a protracted development as well as operational issues, the USAF considers the F-22 a critical component of its tactical air power, and states that the aircraft is unmatched by any known or projected fighter. [7] The Raptors combination of stealth, aerodynamic performance, and situational awareness gives the aircraft unprecedented air combat capabilities. [8] Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, former Chief of the Australian Defence Force, said in 2004 that the F-22 will be the most outstanding fighter plane ever built. [9] The high cost of the aircraft, a lack of clear air-to-air missions due to delays in Russian and Chinese fighter programs, a ban on exports, and development of the more versatile and lower cost F-35 led to the end of F-22 production. [N 1] A final procurement tally of 187 operational production aircraft was established in 2009 and the last F-22 was delivered to the USAF in 2012.
Posted on: Sat, 17 Jan 2015 12:42:27 +0000
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