Forum: F-22A Raptor

checksixx wrote:

Thanks for posting that J.J....was there something you were trying to point out or just linking the story? Or did I miss something in the article?

I simply posted the core info for our users, checksixx!

"The Honolulu Advertiser" reported:

Quote:

Hickam gets a look at stealthy Raptors

By William Cole
Advertiser Military Writer

Posted on: Friday, February 9, 2007

HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE — The stealthy F-22A Raptor this week made its first stop in Hawai'i, appearing small on radar but creating a big buzz as the Air Force moves ahead with plans to base 20 of the fighter aircraft at Hickam starting in late 2010.

Six of the sleek gray jets arrived Wednesday from Virginia, and six more landed yesterday en route to Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan, on what is the first deployment for the Raptors outside the United States. [...]

Full story (including photos and video clip):
http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/artic ... 90364.html

Note: Presented to the news media and local civic leaders was the 1st FW´s "boss bird" (AF 03061).

F-16.net Sponsor

Thanks JJ...Just wanted to make sure I didn't miss any news! Smile

No problem, checksixx! I will observe their entire deployment, and I also want to make sure I didn't miss any public info.

Please note: In case of the well-known news story "F-22 begins first overseas deployment", released on February 8, 2007, by 13th AF PA, the version on USAF´s public main website provides seven pictures: http://www.af.mil/news/story_media.asp? ... =123040309

In contrast, PACAF´s public website version provides twelve (!) pictures: http://www.pacaf.af.mil/news/story_medi ... =123040420

According to already released pictures, at least the following Raptors are deployed:

03048
03049
03051
03052
03061 (marked 1st FW)
04065

checksixx, can/will you give us the remaining six tail codes (serial numbers)?

Raptor #04065 sitting in a huge hangar at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii on Feb 08, 2007.

Thanks for the pics, guys! Very Happy

I guess they should be here sometime in the next 24 hrs, huh?

I can try to track them down...Check

F-22s turn back for "operational reasons".

<a href="news_article2178.html">U.S. delays F-22 Raptors arrival in Japan</a>

I know the weather has been an issue. Even a tanker going down MX could cause that...who knows...Check

Now I can't confirm this or link to any source because It's something I just heard, so, take it for what it’s worth.

We all know that the Raptors external pylons are all rated for 5,000 lb however I heard during testing and evaluations they discovered that carrying and especially flying with four tanks created greater stress levels on the wings and airframe than anticipated. They decided then that no one would fly with four full tanks because it would create unnecessary damage to the airframe. This is why the Raptor only flies long distance with two tanks. Again I can't cite a source for this but if anyone has more information on it, please share.

PhillyGuy wrote:

Now I can't confirm this or link to any source because It's something I just heard, so, take it for what it’s worth.

We all know that the Raptors external pylons are all rated for 5,000 lb however I heard during testing and evaluations they discovered that carrying and especially flying with four tanks created greater stress levels on the wings and airframe than anticipated. They decided then that no one would fly with four full tanks because it would create unnecessary damage to the airframe. This is why the Raptor only flies long distance with two tanks. Again I can't cite a source for this but if anyone has more information on it, please share.

Interesting...well I've asked Dozer about that config and he never mentioned it only saying that the flight test guys are the only ones that have flown that config. I would think that the two tank config would give longer range than the four tank would though...Check

Sexy picture Very Happy

I love how they give the F-22 such a big hangar all by itself Very Happy

Still not here, huh? Sad

I know this is a longshot... but can checksixx (or anyone with ties to the 1st FW, Kadena, etc), put in a good word to try and get the F-22 to perform (or static display, even) at the MCAS Iwakuni airshow on May 5th, 2007 please? Its during the deployment of the F-22 to Japan (and it's the only airshow in Japan during its deployment), and Iwakuni is only a short skip away from Kadena Very Happy

I'll be there and I've never seen the F-22 before, and this might be one of my few chances to see it that I will have. If anyone (who is for FMS) wants to show off the Raptor to the Japanese public to hope for a sale... there are usually over 250000 people that show up at the airshow, and "very important" people too Wink

I know that the raptor is going to Japan for operational purposes, airshows will probably be a "no-go", and even if anyone put in a good word it would probably be a futile attempt... but hey its worth a shot Smile

So, why did they turn back? Has AvWeek got the scoop?

Quote:

Software error delays F-22s’ Japan trip

The arrival of the newest U.S. stealth fighter, the F-22A Raptor, in Okinawa for temporary deployment at the Kadena Air Base will likely be delayed due to a problem with the navigation system software, the Air Force said Tuesday.

The fighters were initially scheduled to arrive in Kadena on Saturday, but their arrival was delayed to Sunday due to bad weather. They then took off from Hickam Air Force Base in Hawaii on Sunday but returned midway.

It is still unknown how long the arrival will be delayed. But the Air Force said its ground mechanics are working to fix the problem and that the deployment will be implemented as planned.

[...]

Source: <a href="http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2007/02/kyokadena070213/">airforcetimes.com</a>

Quote:

F-22 deployment to Kadena delayed

2/14/2007 - AFNEWS

While en route to Kadena Air Base, Japan, Feb. 10, a software issue affecting the F-22 Raptor's navigation system was discovered.

All aircraft, which departed Hickam AFB earlier that day, returned safely. F-22 engineers and maintainers are working to update the software. After successful testing, the aircraft will continue their planned first overseas deployment to Kadena. Officials expect the aircraft will depart Hickam AFB within the next several days.

"This is a minor issue, and, since our focus is always on safety, the aircraft will not depart until we are confident there are no further issues with the navigation system," said Lt. Gen. Loyd S. Utterback, the 13th Air Force commander.

[...]

Source: http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123041054

Forum: F-22A Raptor

F-22 begins deployment to Japan