Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor

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ANALYSIS: Why is the F-22A Raptor already facing retirement?

The Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor leads the way as a fifth-generation air superiority fighter, but its days appear to be numbered – Jon Lake examines why

USAF F-22s deploy to Middle East amid rising Russian tensions

US Central Command announced on June 14 that several F-22A Raptor fifth-generation air superiority fighters from the USAF’s 94th Fighter Squadron ‘Hat in the Ring’ have deployed to an undisclosed location in the Middle East amid rising tensions between the US and Russia in Syria and Ukraine

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How the USAF is planning to massively change its frontline fighter fleets

The USAF’s fighter force comprises a disparate mix of aircraft types – some of which are rather old – and there are urgent plans to recapitalize the fleet with a mix of new and upgraded types, as Jon Lake explains

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Raptor Resurrected: USAF F-22A involved in 2018 mishap returns to flight

Five years after a failed take-off at NAS Fallon in Nevada left F-22A Raptor (serial 07-146) – assigned to the USAF’s 3rd Wing at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska – in a critical condition, the fifth-generation air superiority fighter has returned to the skies after a lengthy restoration and rebuilding process

F-22A Raptor pilots test USAF’s next-gen helmet at Eglin AFB

Lockheed Martin F-22A Raptor pilots from the 301st FS – a US Air Force Reserve Command unit that is associated with the active-duty 325th Fighter Wing at Tyndall AFB, Florida – have kicked off developmental flight tests for the USAF’s new Next Generation Fixed Wing Helmet at nearby Eglin AFB

F-22 Raptors arrive in Europe

US Air Force Lockheed Martin F-22A Raptors have once more deployed to Europe.

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The first-ever Boeing 757’s pivotal role testing F-22 technology

Forty years after its maiden flight, the first Boeing 757 continues to earn its keep. For most of its existence the aircraft has played a significant role supporting the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor fighter. David Willis details the career of the aircraft – unofficially dubbed the Catfish

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Does the United States need an all-stealth air force?

Is stealth really a necessity in military aviation? Charlie Clark examines the options for air arms

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F-22 marks first ‘kill’ as US deals with intruding Chinese spy balloon

After spending four days controversially floating across the continental US, the Chinese surveillance balloon saga reached its climax on February 4, when it was finally shot down by a USAF-operated F-22A Raptor – marking the type’s first official ‘kill’ in operational service

‘Ironmen’ reactivate as new F-22A FTU at Langley-Eustis

In preparation for the relocation of the F-22A Formal Training Unit mission from Florida to Virginia, the USAF’s Air Combat Command reactivated the 71st Fighter Squadron under the 1st Fighter Wing/Operations Group at Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Hampton on January 6