F-22 Raptor 43rd FS, 325th FW, Tyndall Air Force Base, 2006 (1:72)

The USAF developed a requirement for a new air superiority fighter to replace the F-15 Eagle. Two proposals were submitted with the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor being selected as the new Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF). The aircraft is constructed using 39% titanium, 24% composite material, 16% aluminum and 1% thermoplastic by weight. All these components contribute to the F-22 being a light weight, extremely maneuverable, extremely fast aircraft that uses stealth technology. The F-22 is also capable of ground attack, electronic warfare and signals intelligence.

On September 26, 2003 the first operational F-22 Raptor # 01-4018 was delivered to theUSAF. Raptor 18 is assigned to the 43rd FS stationed at Tyndall AFB, Florida. Deactivated in 1994 the 43rd FS was re-activated on October 25, 2002 and was assigned to the 325th Fighter Wing, Air Education and Training Command. There role will be to provide air dominance training for the F-22 Raptor. The 43rd can trace its beginnings back to the 43rd Provisional Squadron of 1917.

Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor specifications

First flight - September 7, 1997

Planned Production - 750 aircraft initial program objective

Altered plan in 1990 - 648 aircraft

Altered plan in 1994 - 442 aircraft

In 1997 Department of Defense report - 339 aircraft

In 2006 the Pentagon wanted -183 aircraft

2008 approval for 4 additional aircraft bringing the total to 187

Number built as of August 2009 - 145 (187 planned)

Role - Air superiority fighter

Crew - (1) pilot

Performance
Engines - (2) Pratt & Whitney F119-PW-100 engines producing 35,000 lbst of thrust
Speed - Mach 1.8 (super cruise: Mach 1.5)
G Limit - +9 G
Ceiling - 60,000 ft (18,290 m)
The F-22 and other fighters can reach this altitude, but only the F-22 can perform tactical maneuvers at this level, which is about twice the altitude at which other jets can perform tactical maneuvers.

Dimensions
Length - 62.08 ft (18.90 m)
Height -16.67 ft (5.08 m)
Wingspan - 44.5 ft (13.56 m)
Wing Area - 840 sq ft (78.04 sq m)
Horizontal Tail-span - 29 ft (8.84 m)

Weights
Empty Weight - 31,670 lb (14,365 kg)
Maximum Takeoff Weight - 60,000 lb (27,000 kg)

Armament
Internal
(1) 20mm Cannon
(4) AIM-9 Sidewinders (side weapon bays)
(4) AIM-120A AMRAAM (internal ventral bay)
(6) AIM-120Cs (internal ventral bay)
(6) GBU-32 JDAM PGMs (internal ventral bay)
(8) GBU-39 Small Diameter Bombs (250lbs ea)
External
(4) under-wing hard-points with a maximum of 5,000lbs (2,270kg) of mission-specific weaponry or fuel drop-tanks.