F-22 Raptor

Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor

F-22 Raptor Role Stealth air superiority fighter National origin United States The Lockheed Martin/Boeing F-22 Raptor is a single-seat, twin-engine fifth-generation supermaneuverable 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.[5] 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 Defense, Space & Security provides the wings, aft fuselage, avionics integration, and training systems.
 * Manufacturer Lockheed Martin Aeronautics
 * Boeing Defense, Space & Security
 * First flight 7 September 1997[1]
 * Introduction 15 December 2005
 * Status In service
 * Primary user United States Air Force 300px-Lockheed_Martin_F-22A_Raptor_JSOH.jpg
 * Produced 1997–2011[2]
 * Number built 195 (eight test and 187 operational) aircraft[2]
 * Program cost US$66.7 billion[3]
 * Unit cost US$150 million (flyaway cost for FY2009)[4]
 * Developed from Lockheed YF-22
 * Developed into Lockheed Martin X-44 MANTA
 * Lockheed Martin FB-22

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 of U.S. tactical air power, and claims that the aircraft is unmatched by any known or projected fighter,[6] 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, former Chief of the Australian Defence Force, said in 2004 that the "F-22 will be the most outstanding fighter plane ever built."[8]