Posted on 02/11/2007 2:47:34 PM PST by Neville72
The Raptor in the Real World
By John A. Tirpak, Executive Editor
In little more than a year, the Air Force has transformed its newly operational F-22 into something remarkable—a weapon of true intimidation. The Raptor has proved itself time and time again in USAF’s toughest wargames. In live exercises, it has trounced the best “opponents” USAF can muster. It hits them at unprecedented speeds and altitudes—and with impunity.
The F-22 does this while in the hands of operators—not test pilots, but rank and file fighter pilots. They consider it to be nearly as reliable as mature F-15 and F-16 fighters. Moreover, the Raptor has shown capabilities that may vastly amplify the power of the rest of the force.
In short, the F-22 is delivering on even the most ambitious claims made for it.
The 1st Fighter Wing, located at Langley AFB, Va., now operates two 20-fighter F-22 squadrons. The 27th FS, which in December 2005 became the first operational unit, is today pulling real-world alert as part of an Air and Space Expeditionary Force (AEF) deployment to Kadena AB, Japan. The 27th’s sister squadron, the 94th FS, is at Red Flag exercises in Nevada this month, marking the Raptor’s operational debut in that wargame.
In May, the 94th will also deploy on an AEF rotation. Its destination has not been announced. A third F-22 squadron, to be based in Alaska, is now taking shape.
Lt. Col. Wade Tolliver, 27th FS commander, said his unit has been working toward the Kadena deployment for about two years.
“We worked hard to bring this jet to initial operational capability,” Tolliver said in an interview in his Langley office, “and, when we accomplished that in December ’05, the celebration was great, but the next day, we got everybody in the squadron [together, to] make sure they understand the focus: what’s next. Well, AEF 5 and 6 [has] ... been our focus ever since.”
Hello, Chicoms.
OOps. here's the link to the rest
http://www.afa.org/magazine/feb2007/0207raptor.asp
try Iranian Mig-31s or Chinese built Super-7s
I watched it on the Discovery Channel last night too. These planes are awesome.
We need to build a lot more of them. It only makes sense, the sunk costs are huge on this thing.
When comparing airshow video, the latest Russian fighters allways demonstrate recovery from a flat spin but I have yet to see video of the F-22 recovering from a flat spin.
The dreams of PLA Generals must be haunted by visions of scores of Chengdu J-10's falling like rain into the Tawain Straits.
Our military people deserve the very best hardware, pay, and benefits.
A comment on the Arleigh Burke destroyer. "What if we had these during WWII?" The answer - "There would not have been a WWII."
Of course now we have a defeatist attitude with the best military force the world has seen.
We're going to attack China with surveillance aricraft? ;-)
Once again, the United States has put the finest combat aircraft in the skies. It is our tradition that started with the P-51D Mustang, and has continued for decades. Our pilots are the best, and our aircraft are the best.
THe A10 in your photo? I agree (-;
I know the A-10 is sweet... The Raptor is awesome...
Wonder how long it would take a Raptor pilot to become an ace in a major engagement? 30 seconds?
The Russian answer to the Raptor would just be one huge radar cross section.
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