Oldest Raptor back in service

The U.S. Air Force has announced on 30 August that the oldest flying F-22 Raptor fighter jet, which has been on the ground for almost six years, is back in service.

The fifth-generation fighter #91-4006, which has been on the ground for almost six years, was one of the first F-22 Raptors to have avionics installed for testing and has been at the 411th FLTS since it arrived in May 2001.

https://defence-blog.com/news/oldest-fl ... rvice.html

Nice to see her return to the air..

With so few built, we need every single available airframe airworthy. Hopefully, the USAF bites on Lockheed's latest offer for a hybrid F-22/35. Speaking of which, will these Edwards test birds be spearheading that effort if it comes to pass? I'd imagine they're starting with the F-22 airframe, and building DAS/EOTS etc into it...

The completed refurbishment extends the Raptor’s life from 2,000 flight hours to 4,000 FH....

That doesn't seem like a lot of flight hours??!! I agree with mixelflick that we need all the F-22 Raptors that the U.S.A.F. can get (wasn't a E.M.D. F-22 rebuilt to a full combat capable earlier this year)?
Maybe room in the budget can be found to produce an updated F-22 see https://www.defenseone.com/business/201 ... ce/150943/ (maybe have Japan help produce/fund it)? But with the B-21 Raider yet to enter service, and the T-X trainer yet to be selected https://www.defensenews.com/air/2018/08 ... -aircraft/
and the U.S.A.F. just canceled the J-STARS replacement! I'm not optimistic that any new production F-22s are forthcoming.

Every Raptor Belongs in the air.

She's still so beautiful

Interesting you should mention the comparison to Foxbat...

Years ago I recall seeing mention of the first few Red Flag's the Raptor participated in. I don't recall who said it, but it was definitely said: "We haven't seen closure rates like this since the Foxbat and Foxhound...".

I am kicking myself for not saving that quote, but you have to believe it's accurate. Perhaps not the red lined top speeds of those 2, but supersonic closure rates nevertheless. It must be absolutely mind numbing were it not for integrated avionics, because they had to assume an enemy aircraft with supercruise too. Picture then mach 3 closure rates.

The algorithms must really be something...