Fighter Jet News
F-22 Raptor News
F-22 2,000th flight hour
June 11, 2002 (by
Jeff Hollenbeck) -
The U.S. Air Force-led F-22 Combined Test Force at Edwards AFB, Calif., has surpassed the 2,000 flight test hours in just over 900 test missions since Raptor 4001 - "the Spirit of America" - first began flying on September 7, 1997.
The 2,000-hour milestone occurred June 7, 2002. Six Raptors now call Edwards AFB home. The Raptors continue to prove their unique blend of revolutionary technologies will transform the way the Air Force fights future wars.
A KC-135R Stratotanker refuels an F-22a Raptor #91-4002. The KC-135's principal mission is air refueling. This asset greatly enhances the U. S. Air Force's capability to accomplish its mission of Global Engagement. [USAF photo by Kevin Robertson]