F-22A Raptor
Publication Date: March 2009
Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Author(s):
Research Area: Military and defense
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Abstract:
The F-22A Raptor is a next-generation fighter/attack aircraft that features the latest stealth technology to reduce detection by radar. Using more advanced engines and avionics than the current F-15 Eagle, the F-22A is intended to maintain U.S. Air Force capabilities against more sophisticated enemy aircraft and air defenses in the 21st century. This report examines the Air Force's F-22A Raptor program, including costs and schedule; considers several key issues, and concludes with a synopsis of recent legislative activity on the program.
In 1986, two contractors were selected to build competing prototypes, Lockheed's YF-22 and Northrop's YF-23, which were flight tested in late 1990. In April 1991, the Air Force selected Lockheed's YF-22 design for full-scale development, now termed System Development and Demonstration (SDD). The aircraft is powered by Pratt & Whitney's F119 engine, selected in competition with General Electric's F120 engine. In December 2005, the Air Force announced that the 12 F-22 aircraft with the 27th Fighter Squadron, 1st Fighter Wing, Langley Air Force Base, had reached initial operational capability (IOC).
A 185-aircraft program was estimated by the Department of Defense (DOD) in December 2005 to cost about $65.4 billion in actual prior-year and projected out-year expenditures. The Administration's FY2007 budget requested $2.6 billion for the F22A program, and the request to enter into a multiyear procurement (MYP) for the final three years of production.
The F-22A has had strong congressional support, although some have criticized the program on grounds of cost, requirements, and coordination with other tactical aircraft programs. Deletion of procurement funds in the FY2000 defense appropriation bill passed by the House made the future of the program a major issue for House and Senate conferees in 1999.
Some question the urgency of procuring the F-22A when production of comparable or better aircraft by other countries appears unlikely. Others argue that the F-22A should be produced in large numbers to cope with future threats from more advanced air defenses of potential enemies and to maintain the preeminent U.S. position in aviation technology and production. The airframe will be produced by Lockheed Martin in Marietta, GA, and Ft. Worth, TX, and by Boeing in Seattle, WA, with engines by Pratt & Whitney in Middletown, CT. This report will be updated.