UPI, The Air Force's newest fighter plane dropped a JDAM bomb for the first time in flight tests on Sept. 2, the service announced Tuesday.
The F/A-22 Raptor dropped a 1,000-pound, satellite guided Joint Direct Attack Munition from 30,000 feet, hitting its target at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif.
The test marked the first time the Raptor proved its ground attack capability. It was originally designed primarily as an air-to-air fighter to replace the F-15.
The Raptor, made by Lockheed Martin, is expected to enter service in December 2005. Each aircraft costs in excess of $250 million, if the total production cost is divided by the number of aircraft built. The Air Force puts the per plane cost at $95 million.
