| Hobby Master 1/72 Air Power Series HA2802 Lockheed F-22 "Raptor" 05-4102, 302nd Fighter Sqn. Elmendorf AFB, Aalaska |
| The USAF developed a requirement for a new air superiority fighter to replace the F-15 Eagle. Two proposals were submitted with the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor being selected as the new Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF). The aircraft is constructed using 39% titanium, 24% composite material, 16% aluminum and 1% thermoplastic by weight. All these components contribute to the F-22 being a light weight, extremely maneuverable, extremely fast aircraft that uses stealth technology. The F-22 is also capable of ground attack, electronic warfare and signals intelligence. Originally the 302nd was one of 4 African-American FS to enter combat in WWII. After WWII they became an SAR unit. In 1987 the 302nd mission was changed to a fighter role. The 302nd is an Associate Reserve Squadron that doesn’t own its aircraft but instead supplies pilots to the 90th and 525th Fighter Squadrons that belong to the 477th FG. In 2007 forty F-22s were assigned to Elmendorf AFB in Alaska with each squadron receiving 20 aircraft. This aircraft 05-4102 is marked in 302nd markings and is the CC’s (Commander) aircraft. Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor specifications First flight - September 7, 1997 Planned Production - 750 aircraft initial program objective Altered plan in 1990 - 648 aircraft Altered plan in 1994 - 442 aircraft In 1997 Department of Defense report – 339 aircraft In 2006 the Pentagon wanted -183 aircraft 2008 approval for 4 additional aircraft bringing the total to 187 Number built as of August 2009 - 145 (187 planned) Role - Air superiority fighter Crew – (1) pilot Performance Engines – (2) Pratt & Whitney F119-PW-100 engines producing 35,000 lbst of thrust Speed - Mach 1.8 (super cruise: Mach 1.5) G Limit - +9 G Ceiling - 60,000 ft (18,290 m) The F-22 and other fighters can reach this altitude, but only the F-22 can perform tactical maneuvers at this level, which is about twice the altitude at which other jets can perform tactical maneuvers. Dimensions Length - 62.08 ft (18.90 m) Height -16.67 ft (5.08 m) Wingspan - 44.5 ft (13.56 m) Wing Area - 840 sq ft (78.04 sq m) Horizontal Tail-span - 29 ft (8.84 m) Weights Empty Weight - 31,670 lb (14,365 kg) Maximum Takeoff Weight - 60,000 lb (27,000 kg) Armament Internal (1) 20mm Cannon (4) AIM-9 Sidewinders (side weapon bays) (4) AIM-120A AMRAAM (internal ventral bay) (6) AIM-120Cs (internal ventral bay) (6) GBU-32 JDAM PGMs (internal ventral bay) (8) GBU-39 Small Diameter Bombs (250lbs ea) External (4) under-wing hard-points with a maximum of 5,000lbs (2,270kg) of mission-specific weaponry or fuel drop-tanks. |