The F-22 Raptor is considered one of the most capable and advanced aircraft in service today.
After six years of development, the F-22 Raptor first took flight on 7 September 1997 in Marietta, Georgia. Lockheed Martin designed the aircraft to provide the US Air Force with unprecedented air dominance using a unique combination of stealth, speed, agility, situational awareness, and lethal weaponry. Becoming fully operational in 2005, the F-22 continues to serve the Air Force as one of its premier fighters, outmatching opponents around the globe.
Hill Air Force Base is the sole depot for repair, maintenance, and modernization for the F-22 fleet. This local mission started small in 2006 and grew with all Raptor depot work consolidating on Hill in 2013. In addition to the depot, Hill is home to the F-22 System Program Office—overseeing the development, modernization, and sustainment of this stealth combat aircraft.
Hill Aerospace Museum’s Raptor is unique to the F-22 program. Not only was it a preproduction model which aided in testing and evaluating the weapon system, it also served as a ground trainer aircraft at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida. In 2018, Hurricane Michael collided with Tyndall and rendered this F-22 unusable. Since then, Museum staff worked with the F-22 System Program Office and F-22 depot personnel to transport the aircraft to Utah, demilitarize it, and prepare it for display.
A Pratt and Whitney F119 engine, the first operational fifth generation fighter engine, powers the F-22. The F119 engine has unique capabilities such as supercruise, which allows the F-22 to operate faster than the speed of sound without using an afterburner. Engineers and aircraft mechanics maintain this high-performance, specialized engine with only six commonly used commercial hardware tools. We can fix one of the most advanced warfighters of all time with simple tools from your local hardware store!
This aircraft is on loan from the U.S. Air Force Heritage Program.
Serial Number: 91-4002
Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin
Primary Function: Multi-Role Stealth Fighter
Crew: One
Engines: Two Pratt & Whitney F119-PW-100 Turbofans; Thrust: 35,000 lbs. per engine
Wingspan: 44 ft 6 in
Length: 62 ft 1 in
Height: 16 ft 8 in
Weight: 43,340 lbs (empty); 83,500 lbs (maximum takeoff wieght)
Speed: Mach 2 (1,534 mph)
Range: 1,850 miles
Service Ceiling: Above 50,000 ft
Armament: One 20 mm M61A2 Vulcan cannon
Payload: Various combinations of mixed ordinance
Years of Service: 2005 – Present
The F-22 Raptor is considered one of the most capable and advanced aircraft in service today.
The Air Force is planning on replacing the F-22 with the Next Generation Air Dominance fighter, believed to be entering service sometime in the 2030s.
As the first 5th-generation aircraft ever produced, it’s air dominating capabilities are hard to dispute.
Like most fighters, the Raptor is armed with the M61A2 20mm Gatling gun for close air-to-air engagements.
Due to high-maintenance costs, airframe age and combat readiness, the US Air Force has decided to start retiring the oldest aircraft.
Of the 187 aircraft produced, 182 are still flying today.
Utilizing it’s afterburners, the Raptor is capable of a hitting Mach 2.0, or 1,500mph.
With the addition of two external fuel tanks, the F-22 can fly approximately 1,850 miles, depending on altitude and conditions.