F-22 Raptor News

September 26, 2007 (by Lieven Dewitte) - The Lockheed Martin F-22 is "effective, suitable and mission capable" according to the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center (AFOTEC).
This rating resulted from a recently completed second increment of Follow-on Operational Test and Evaluation (FOT&E II).

"This second FOT&E was a significant milestone in terms of validating the F-22A's combat capability to conduct Offensive Counter Air–Destruction of Enemy Air Defenses (OCA-DEAD)," said AFOTEC Commander Maj. Gen. Steve Sargeant. "We are confident we have provided Air Combat Command and senior Air Force leaders with an accurate and complete picture of the Raptor's impressive operational capabilities. AFOTEC also highlighted where additional resources can be focused to further mature and sustain this fifth generation fighter."

The capabilities evaluated during the operational test included the areas of mission generation, mission support, and enhancements to air-to-air and air-to-ground employment capabilities, according to AFOTEC.

"It is exciting to see the men and women of the U.S. Air Force demonstrate the extraordinary capability and suitability of the F-22," said Larry Lawson, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics executive vice president and F-22 general program manager. "The Air Force has proven beyond a doubt that the Raptor is the right aircraft to maintain America's air superiority record – now and for the next 50 years."

The Raptor has maintained an impressive tempo of successes this year that reflects the dedication and commitment the entire team has invested:

• DOD Approved Sole Source 10-Year Performance-Based Sustainment Strategy
• Deployment to Kadena Air Base, Japan—more than 670 sorties flown
• First Red Flag Exercise—100 percent sortie generation rate
• 2006 Collier Trophy—overwhelming performance in Northern Edge exercise
• First Multi-Year production contract for 60 Raptors—saving $411M
• F-22 Raptors arrive at Elmendorf AFB, Alaska—Air Dominance in Pacific Region
• 100th Raptor delivered to the U.S. Air Force

Raptors are currently assigned to five U.S. bases. Flight testing takes place at Edwards AFB, Calif. Operational tactics development is ongoing at Nellis AFB, Nev. Pilot and crew chief training takes place at Tyndall AFB, Fla. Operational Raptors are assigned to Langley AFB, Va. and at Elmendorf AFB, Alaska. Raptors will also be based at Holloman AFB, N.M., and Hickam AFB, Hawaii.