In 1981, United States Air Force defense strategists projected a need for a new air superiority fighter to counter emerging worldwide threats. The F-22 Raptor, incorporating top-of-the-line stealth and combat capabilities, is designed to dominate the skies. Display this rising star of military achievement in your home or office with a streamlined mahogany scale model.
The Price of Predatory Perfection.
Lockheed Martin Aeronautics and Boeing Integrated Defense partnered to create a stealth capable multirole fighter, with specialized features that elevate the F-22 from other aircraft. The goal would cost over 60 billion US dollars and require two decades of intensive research and development. At an estimated unit cost of US 138 million dollars, it is one of the most expensive planes ever produced.
Most of this cost comes from incorporating advanced technology; including specialized alloys and composites, state of the art computer flight control systems, high power engines, and innovations in stealth.
The result is an outstanding fighter jet with unique tactical capabilities, coveted by Japan, Israel and Australia. Although these countries have indicated interest in acquiring the F-22 Raptor, its sale to foreign powers remains prohibited by federal law.
A Product of Combat Evolution.
Though many of its specific features are still classified, available information shows that the F-22 is unmatched by present and projected future fighters. Its dual turbofan engines can hit speeds of Mach 1.7 without use of afterburners. In addition to this supercruise feature, the Raptor has a vector thrust faculty. This lets the pilot angle engine thrust for maneuvering, allowing blinding turns at both supersonic and subsonic speeds.
This fifth generation fighter also has a suite of advanced avionics to augment its combat capabilities. On-board radar allows long-range and multiple target acquisition. This allows effective attacks on enemy craft beyond visual range in various weather conditions. Armaments include air-to-air missiles, air-to-surface bombs, electronic focused emission attacks, and a 20 mm rotary cannon.
An Invisible Aggressive Force.
Using fourth generation stealth technology, the F-22 Raptor integrates several anti-radar strategies. Its use of radar absorbent materials and beam scattering design reduce visibility both electronically and visually. Both infrared sensors and heat-seeking missiles are foiled by its decreased infrared emissions. Electronic equipment in the cockpit, pilot’s helmet, and radar ports have been screened to minimize interception.
The lethal potential of this stealth fighter was amply proven by its staggering performance in a Red Flag combat exercise in 2007. Against superior numbers, F-22s quickly and efficiently established air dominance. Only one Raptor was shot down, compared to the complete annihilation of opposing forces. In another exercise it posted 241 kills against two losses in air-to-air combat.
The Raptors’ Homecoming.
Since its entry into active service in December of 2005, the F-22 has played a critical role in the US strategic defense force. Raptors are deployed to Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida, Langley in Virginia, Holloman in New Mexico, Eglin in Florida, Elmendorf in Alaska, Hickam in Hawaii as well as to the Virginia Air National Guard.
A true marvel of advanced military technology, the F-22 Raptor has earned the praise of fighter pilots nationwide. There is no better way to share the thrill of victory than by displaying this desktop model where everyone can fully appreciate it. This accurate scale model will be drawing admiration and compliments from your friends and colleagues for a long time.
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