National Museum of the U.S. Air Force Home to F-22A Raptor
Jan 22 2008
The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force unveiled its new F-22A Raptor exhibit on Jan. 17. The Raptor, which was given a declaration of Full Operational Capability by the Air Force on Dec. 12, combines stealth, maneuverability, and the ability to fly long distances at supersonic speeds into an aircraft capable of performing both air superiority and air-to-ground missions. Raptors participating in Exercise Northern Edge in June 2006 at Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, achieved a staggering kill ratio of 144 to 0 flying against legacy fighters and recorded an impressive 97 percent mission capability rate.
“The F-22A Raptor’s unique combination of stealth, speed, agility, precision and situational awareness combined with air-to-air and air-to-ground combat capabilities makes it the best overall fighter in the world,” said Assistant Vice Chief of Staff and Director, Air Force Staff, Lt. Gen. Frank G. Klotz. “It will fundamentally change how America fights – shortening wars and saving lives.”
The F-22A Raptor is built by the Lockheed Martin Corporation in partnership with Boeing and Pratt & Whitney. Raptors currently are 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 flight training takes place at Tyndall AFB, Fla. Operational Raptors are assigned to Langley AFB, Va. and at Elmendorf AFB, Alaska. Raptors also will be based at Holloman AFB, N.M., and Hickam AFB, Hawaii. For more information, contact the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force at (937) 255-3286, or visit www.nationalmuseum.af.mil.
