Lockheed Martin, NEW YORK: General Ronald E. Keys, Commander of Air Combat Command, has announced that the F-22A Raptor, the world's only 5th generation fighter aircraft, surpassed a monumental milestone today when the United States Air Force declared that the Raptor has reached initial operational capability. The General made the historic announcement at Langley Air Force Base, VA.
The Air Force is now capable of deploying and supporting 12 F-22A Raptor aircraft anywhere in the world to execute air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. The Raptor is also qualified to perform homeland defense missions when required.
The F-22 Raptor's unique combination of stealth, speed, agility, situational awareness, air-to-ground and air-to-air combat capabilities make it unlike any other military aircraft in the world, increasing a pilot's ability to engage targets with unmatched awareness. Rated “Overwhelmingly Effective” by the USAF during Initial Operational Test and Evaluation, the Raptor is three times more effective than the F-15.
The F-22 Raptor is built by Lockheed Martin in partnership with Boeing and Pratt & Whitney. F-22 production takes place at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics facilities in Palmdale, CA.; Meridian, MS.; Marietta, GA.; and Fort Worth, TX, as well as at Boeing's plant in Seattle.
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