Edwards AFB Flight Test Nation 2009
Lockheed F-22 Raptor

TheF-22 Rapor is the latest in fighter technology. The deisgn was an answer to a USAF request for proposal of a new next-generation air superiority fighter. Lockheed/Boeing/General Dynamic proposed the F-22 and Northrop/Mcdonnell Douglas proposed the F-23. The F-22 won the contract on April 23, 1991. The high cost of the aircraft coupled with the policy to not export these advanced technology fighters has resulted in a lot of political wrangling and ultimately a cutback in the production of the Raptor. Besides being an air superiority fighter, the Raptor can also perform ground attack, electronic warfare and signals intelligence missions.