F-22 Raptor: FY 2006 Procurement & Events

F-22A Raptor, ready (click to view full) The fifth-generation F-22A Raptor fighter program has been the subject of fierce controversy, with advocates and detractors aplenty. This DID focus article covers both sides of that controversy, and also addresses key events and procurement decisions that took place during FY 2006 (October 1, 2005 – October 1, 2006). A newer DID article offers continuing coverage of the F-22 program. The F-22 Raptor: Background & Controversies From YF-22 to F-22 (click to view full) The Raptor had a long development history, and been the focus of controversy, cost concerns, Congressional cutbacks, and some lessons learned. At the same time, the Raptor has done extremely well in exercises against F-15s, with reported kill ratios of up to 108:0 during Exercise Northern Edge 2006. While it’s always wise to take such figures with a grain of salt until one has reviewed the exercise setup and conditions in full, the raw number is impressive. Advocates contend that the F-22’s combination of stealth, vectored thrust, range, advanced electronics with potential electronic warfare applications, and sustained supersonic flight (aka “supercruise”) arguably place it in a class by itself among the world’s combat aircraft. CDI disagrees, though having seen […]