F/A 22 Air Force Photos, 1999-2005

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Air Force's new air superiority fighter, the F-22 Raptor, flew in excess of 60 degrees angle of attack during flight testing here, reaching another milestone and satisfying another flight-test requirement mandated by the Department of Defense. (Coutesy photo)
1/1/1999

A KC-10 tanker from Travis AFB, Calif, refuels an F-22 Raptor Tuesday, Nov 19, 1999. The Raptor's refueling was the first one by a KC-10 aircraft as part of the F-22 test program. Once fielded, the F-22 Raptor will ensure that U.S. air superiority remains unchallenged for decades to come. (Photo by Judson Brohmer)
1/24/1999

During flight testing an F-22 makes a low pass over Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. The Air Force's new air superiority fighter will dominate the future air combat arena by integrating advanced avionics, stealth and supercruise. With approximately 80 percent of development complete and two test aircraft flying, the F-22 program is nearing completion of a 13-year development program.
9/29/1999

FILE PHOTO -- The application of advanced avionics software in the F-22 is key to the Raptor's revolutionary performance advantage over any other fighter. In the air-to-air arena, the stealthy F-22 will be virtually unseen on radar, while its sophisticated array of sensors and advanced radar will allow it to reach out and strike adversary aircraft undetected from long range. The advanced software package will also enhance the Raptor's ability to deliver precision air-to-surface weapons on target, day or night, in any weather. (U.S. Air Force photo)
11/5/1999

FILE PHOTO -- The F-22 is an air-superiority fighter with improved capability over current Air Force aircraft. From the inception of the battle, the F-22's primary objective will be to establish air superiority through the conduct of counter air operations. The F-22 also has an inherent air-to-surface capability. A combination of improved sensor capability, improved situational awareness, and improved weapons provides first-kill opportunity against the threat. (U.S. Air Force photo)
11/5/1999

FILE PHOTO -- An F-22 Raptor undergoes flight testing. The Air Force's new air superiority fighter will dominate the future air combat arena by integrating advanced avionics, stealth and supercruise. It is the most advanced fighter aircraft in the world, combining a revolutionary leap in technology and capability with reduced support requirements and maintenance costs. (U.S. Air Force photo)
11/5/1999

FILE PHOTO -- The F-22 is an air-superiority fighter with improved capability over current Air Force aircraft. From the inception of the battle, the Raptor's primary objective will be to establish air superiority through the conduct of counter air operations. The F-22 also has an inherent air-to-surface capability. A combination of improved sensor capability, improved situational awareness, and improved weapons provides first-kill opportunity against the threat. (U.S. Air Force photo)
11/5/1999

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- An F-22 Raptor takes on fuel here. The F-22 combines stealth, supercruise, maneuverability and many other features enabling a first look, first shot, first kill capability that will provide continued air dominance for generations to come. (U.S. Air Force photo)
11/17/1999

cF-22 Raptor 4002 fires an AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missile during a separation test at 40,000 feet Dec. 13. Flown at a 26-degree angle-of-attack at only Mach .4 speed, the test flight demonstrated the Raptor's ability to operate at slow speeds in a combat environment and still maintain maneuverability. (Photo by Judson Brohmer)
12/13/2001

2/2/2002

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- An F-22 Raptor is shadowed by an F-15 Eagle chase plane. The F-22 combines stealth, supercruise, maneuverability and many other features enabling a first look, first shot, first kill capability that will provide continued air dominance for generations to come. (U.S. Air Force photo)
2/2/2002

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- An F-22 Raptor is shadowed by an F-16 Fighting Falcon chase plane. The F-22 combines stealth, supercruise, maneuverability and many other features enabling a first look, first shot, first kill capability that will provide continued air dominance for generations to come. (U.S. Air Force photo)
3/16/2002

An AIM-9 Sidewinder missile successfully launches from an F-22 Raptor during a launch test Tuesday, July 25. The major milestone test evaluated the next-generation fighter's ability to fire an air-to-air missile from an internal weapons bay. Its primary air-to-air role, the F-22 will carry six AIM-120C and two AIM-9 missiles. For its air-to-ground role, the F-22 can internally carry two 1,000 pound-class Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM), two AIM-120C, and two AIM-9 missiles. (Photo by Judson Brohmer)
7/25/2002

Raptor flies 100th mission

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFPN) -- F-22 Raptor 4001, the first of the Air Force's next-generation of air superiorty fighter jets, flew its 100th mission here Oct. 27 with Boeing test pilot Chuck Killberg at the controls. The F-22 is undergoing the most extensive and sophisticated testing of any combat aircraft ever developed, giving the Air Force and its industry partners adequate time to properly design, build and test the Raptor before being put into production. (Air Force photo)
10/27/2002

An F-22 Raptor soars high above the Mojave Desert. The Air Force's new superiority fighter will dominate the future air combat arena by integrating advanced avionics, stealth and supercruise. With approximately 80 percent of development complete and two test aircraft flying, the F-22 program is nearing completion of a 13-year development program. (Photo by Judson Broehmer)
11/5/2002

The application of advanced avionics software in the F-22 is key to the Raptor's revolutionary performance advantage over any other fighter. In the air-to-air arena, the stealthy F-22 will be virtually unseen on radar, while its sophisticated array of sensors and advanced radar will allow it to reach out and strike adversary aircraft undetected from long range. The advanced software package will also enhance the Raptor's ability to deliver precision air-to-surface weapons on target, day or night, in any weather. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kevin Robertson)
11/5/2002

F-22 Raptor

Updated modeling and simulation tools, such as the Advanced Flight Propulsion Data Validation/Analysis System, will allow the F-22 Combined Test Force here to make further predictions when the Raptor begins to step out of the flight envelope during future testing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Judson Brohmer)
11/5/2002

Raptor reaches 400-flight-hour mark

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFPN) -- The F-22 Raptor passed the 400-flight-hour mark here recently. Since the summer of 1998, the Edwards F-22 Combined Test Force has flown two aircraft during 183 evaluation missions. Raptors 4001 and 4002 have meet four out of five Department of Defense flight-test requirements for 1999. The last is expected to be met in December. (Air Force photo)
11/5/2002

F-22 Raptor 4002 flies a test mission alongside an F-16 chase aircraft and reaches the 183 hour flight test milestone. Currently all eyes are on Edwards Air Force Base, Air Force Flight Test Center, where this impressive aircraft is in the midst of its flight testing.

The Raptor is the most advanced fighter aircraft in the world, combining a revolutionary leap in technology and capability with reduced support requirements and maintenance costs.

The F-22's combination of stealth, integrated avionics, maneuverability, and supercruise Ð supersonic flight without afterburner Ð will give Raptor pilots a first-look, first-shot, first-kill capability against the aircraft of any potential enemy.

The Raptor is designed to provide not only air superiority, but air dominance, winning quickly and decisively with few U.S. and allied casualties. The Raptor also has an inherent air-to-ground capability. (U.S. Air Force photo courtesy of the F-22 Combined Test Force)
11/5/2002

The F-22 Raptor's internal-mounted M61A2 six-barreled 20mm lightweight Gatling gun's (upper right wing) hydraulic door was tested during a recent flight test of Raptor 4002 above the Mojave Desert. The successful test was designed to see how the door would react when opened at high speeds. Built by General Dynamics in Burlington, Vt., the gun can fire 6,000 rounds per minute, although the Raptor usually carries only 480 rounds. Almost all current U.S. military fighters and attack jets have been equipped with the M61 or its follow-on models since the 1950s. Consequently, the upgraded gun seems a perfect fit for the next-generation fighter. (Photo by Judson Brohmer)
11/5/2002

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- An AIM-9 Sidewinder missile successfully launches from an F/A-22 Raptor during a launch test. The major milestone test evaluated the next-generation fighter's ability to fire an air-to-air missile from an internal weapons bay. Its primary air-to-air role, the F/A-22 will carry six AIM-120C and two AIM-9 missiles. For its air-to-ground role, the F/A-22 can internally carry two 1,000 pound-class Joint Direct Attack Munitions, two AIM-120C, and two AIM-9 missiles.
11/5/2002

The F-22 Raptor successfully completed the 16th load static test recently. There are three more tests left in the process to certify the strength of the Raptors airframe. (Courtesy photo)
11/5/2002

The F-22 Raptor on its first test flight at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. (Photo courtesy of Lockheed Martin)
11/5/2002

KC-135R Stratotanker refuels an F-22 Raptor

The F-22 Raptor, developed at Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the replacement for the F-15 Eagle air-superiority fighter and will become operational early in the next century. It combines stealth design with the supersonic, highly maneuverable, dual-engine, long-range requirements of an air-to-air fighter, and it also will have an inherit air-to-ground capability, if needed. The F-22's integrated avionics gives it first-look, first-shot, first-kill capability that will guarantee U.S. air dominance for the next three decades. The KC-135 Stratotanker's principal mission is air refueling. This asset greatly enhances the U. S. Air Force's capability to accomplish its mission of Global Engagement. It also provides aerial refueling support to U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and allied aircraft. Four turbofans, mounted under 35-degree swept wings, power the KC-135 to takeoffs at gross weights up to 322,500 pounds (146,285 kilograms). Nearly all internal fuel can be pumped through the tanker's flying boom, the KC-135's primary fuel transfer method. A special shuttlecock-shaped drogue, attached to and trailed behind the flying boom, may be used to refuel aircraft fitted with probes. An operator stationed in the rear of the plane controls the boom. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kevin Robertson)

12/3/2002

FILE PHOTO -- An F-22 Raptor climbs on a test mission here. The F-22 combines stealth, supercruise, maneuverability and many other features enabling a first look, first shot, first kill capability that will provide continued air dominance for generations to come. (U.S. Air Force photo)
12/11/2002

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- F/A-22 Raptor test and training flight operations resumed here March 22 after a brief delay following a nose-gear-retraction incident. (U.S. Air Force photo by Judson Brohmer)
3/28/2003

Air dominance is the first priority of any combat commander and the F/A-22 Raptor will provide it for them, according to Lt. Gen. John D.W. Corley, the principal deputy assistant secretary of the Air Force for acquisition at the Pentagon. He testified before the House Armed Services Committee subcommittee on tactical air and land forces April 2. (U.S. Air Force photo)
4/3/2003

Boeing is teamed with Lockheed Martin and Pratt & Whitney to design and build the F-22. Boeing is responsible for the wings, aft fuselage (including the structures necessary for engine and nozzle installation), avionics integration and tests, radar development, the training system, flight-test development and management, the fire-protection system and the life-support system. The F-22 Raptor conducted its first flight on Sept. 7, 1997.
4/14/2003

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Two F/A-22 Raptors based here undergo developmental flight testing recently. The Air Force negotiated the procurement of one additional Raptor as part of a recent purchase, raising the total to 21 aircraft. (Photo courtesy of Lockheed Martin)
5/15/2003

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- With the addition of Raptor tail number 0015 to the base, the number of F/A-22s at Nellis increases to four.
7/9/2003

FA/-22 Raptor tailnumber 0015 taxis on the Nellis Air Force Base flight line on Wednesday, July 9th, 2003. The Raptor was flown to Nellis from the factory by Maj. David Thole, an operational test pilot from the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron. This brings the number of F/A-22's at Nellis to four.
USAF Photo by: Tech. Sgt. Kevin J. Gruenwald ld
7/9/2003

FA/-22 Raptor tailnumber 0015 makes a pass over the Nellis Air Force Base flight line on Wednesday, July 9th, 2003. The Raptor was flown to Nellis from the factory by Maj. David Thole, an operational test pilot from the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron. This brings the number of F/A-22's at Nellis to four.
USAF Photo by: Tech. Sgt. Kevin J. Gruenwald
7/9/2003

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- Lt. Col. Jeffrey Harrigian lifts off here during his first flight in an F/A-22 Raptor. He commands the 43rd Fighter Squadron at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla. The 43rd FS will be the Air Force's first F/A-22 squadron. As the Raptor continues operational tests and evaluations in Nevada, officials plan to train a cadre of pilots from Tyndall to be the initial flight instructors.
8/20/2003

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Four F/A-22 Raptors fly over the Mojave Desert during a landmark test mission. A record number of seven Raptors were airborne simultaneously during several test missions Aug. 29 (U.S. Air force photo by Kevin Robertson)
9/15/2003

TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The first operational F/A-22 Raptor cruises over Florida on its delivery flight to Tyndall, home of the world's first Raptor squadron.
9/29/2003

TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The first operational F/A-22 Raptor flies over the base on its delivery flight. Tyndall is home of the world's first F/A-22 squadron.
9/29/2003

TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The 325th Fighter Wing's first permanently-assigned F/A-22 Raptor lands here Sept. 26. Tyndall, an Air Education and Training Command installation, was selected to serve as the Air Force's primary F/A-22 training base. The aircraft was piloted by Lt. Col. Jeff Harrigian, 43rd Fighter Squadron commander here.
9/29/2003

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Raptor 4001 undergoes wet-runway testing during a rare rainy day here in the Mojave Desert. The F-22 was tested at speeds of 30, 60 and 90 knots. This test is just one of thousands that the F-22 Combined Test Force is putting the Raptor through during the most extensive test program that any fighter aircraft has undergone. (U.S. Air Force photo by Derk Blanset)

10/9/2003

FILE PHOTO -- An F-22 Raptor performs a roll. The Raptor is the replacement for the F-15 Eagle. It is the most advanced fighter aircraft in the world, combining a revolutionary leap in technology and capability with reduced support requirements and maintenance costs. The F-22's integrated avionics gives it first-look, first-shot, first-kill capability that guarantees U.S. air dominance for decades. (U.S. Air Force photo)

10/14/2003

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The F-22 Raptor shows its claws during a side weapons bay test here. The F-22 is designed to carry two AIM-9M or Sidewinder short-range, heat-seeking air-to-air missiles in its side weapons bays. (U.S. Air Force photo)

10/14/2003

LtCol Dave Rose, from the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron located at Nellis Air Force Base, NV, piloted the Air Force's new F/A-22 Raptor for a fly-by during the First Flight Centennial Celebration at the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills, NC, December 16, 2003. Flying in formation with Rose after the historic fly-by is Maj Robert Garland flying an F-15 Eagle from Langley AFB, VA. Langley is slotted to be the first operational home to a squadron of F/A-22s by the end of 2004.
(USAF Photo by TSgt Ben Bloker)

12/17/2003

LtCol Dave Rose, from the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron located at Nellis Air Force Base, NV, piloted the Air Force's new F/A-22 Raptor for a fly-by during the First Flight Centennial Celebration at the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills, NC, December 16, 2003. Langley is slotted to be the first operational home to a squadron of F/A-22s by the end of 2004.
(USAF Photo by TSgt Ben Bloker)
12/17/2003

LtCol Dave Rose, from the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron located at Nellis Air Force Base, NV, piloted the Air Force's new F/A-22 Raptor for a fly-by during the First Flight Centennial Celebration at the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills, NC, December 16, 2003. Langley is slotted to be the first operational home to a squadron of F/A-22s by the end of 2004.
(USAF Photo by TSgt Ben Bloker)

12/17/2003

KILL DEVIL HILLS, N.C. -- Lt. Col. Dave Rose flew the Air Force's new F/A-22 Raptor during a First Flight Centennial Celebration fly-by at the Wright Brothers National Memorial here Dec. 16. Maj. Robert Garland flew an F-15 Eagle from Langley Air Force Base, Va., and joined in formation after Rose's fly-by. Langley is slotted to be the home of the first operational squadron of F/A-22s by the end of 2004. Rose is from the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron at Nellis AFB, Nev. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Ben Bloker)
12/18/2003

FILE PHOTO -- A KC-10 Extender from Travis Air Force Base, Calif., refuels an F/A-22 Raptor. The Raptor is the replacement for the F-15 Eagle. It is the most advanced fighter aircraft in the world, combining a revolutionary leap in technology and capability with reduced support requirements and maintenance costs. The F/A-22's integrated avionics gives it first-look, first-shot, first-kill capability that guarantees U.S. air dominance for decades. (U.S. Air Force photo by Judson Brohmer)

12/19/2003

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- A modified KC-135 Stratotanker sprays water on an F/A-22 during an airborne ice test here. (U.S. Air Force photo by Derk Blanset)

2/13/2004

LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. -- An F/A-22 Raptor and an F-15 Eagle fly over Virgina. The F/A-22's advanced features mean that the aircraft can get to targets faster and undetected, stay longer, get the first shot, and gather and share information in real time with other combatants.
4/5/2004

(Photo by Derk Blanset) Tech. Sgt. Glenn Lesher, 31st Test and Evaluation Squadron crew chief, performs pre-flight launch checks on Raptor 11. The 'OT' on the tail designates the Raptor as an operational test vehicle. Thursday's mission tested two OT Raptors for the first time in the skies above Edwards.

4/30/2004

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- An F/A-22 Raptor soars over the grounds here June 1. This flight was flown by Lt. Col. Dawn Dunlop, an F/A-22 test pilot and 1988 academy graduate, in support of the Class of 2004's graduation parade. Colonel Dunlop and the Raptor are from Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. (U. S. Air Force photo by Kevin Robertson)
6/1/2004

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- An F/A-22 Raptor flown by Lt. Col. Dawn Dunlop, a female graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy's Class of 1988 now a test pilot and squadron operations officer at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., does a flyover during Tuesday's Class of 2004 Graduation Parade at the Academy's Stillman Parade Field. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Dave Armer)
6/1/2004

The F/A-22 Raptor from Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. heads out to the Nevada Test and Training Ranges for an operational test mission, June 23,2004. The Raptor was flown by Maj. David Thole, FA/22 pilot assigned to the 422 Test and Evaluation Group, Nellis A.F.B., Nev.

USAF Photo by: Tech. Sgt. Kevin J. Gruenwald (Released)
6/23/2004

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- An F/A-22 Raptor flown by Maj. David Thole, 422 Test and Evaluation Squadron, Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., breaks away after completing a training mission with an F-16, flown by Maj. Alex Grynkewich, 53rd Test and Evaluation Group, Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. June 23. FOX News' Greta Van Susteren will fly an F/A-22 chase mission with both pilots June 27. Flight footage and live interviews with both pilots will appear on the network's show "On the Record" at 10 p.m. Eastern Time June 28.

U.S. Air Force Photo by: Tech. Sgt. Kevin J. Gruenwald (Released)
6/23/2004

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- An F/A-22 Raptor flown by Maj. David Thole, 422 Test and Evaluation Group, Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., flies fingertip formation on a training mission alongside an F-16, flown by Maj. Alex Grynkewich, 53rd Test and Evaluation Group, Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., June 23. FOX News' Greta Van Susteren will fly an F/A-22 chase mission with both pilots June 27. Footage from the flight and live interviews with both pilots will appear on the network's show "On the Record" at 10 p.m. Eastern Time June 28.

U.S. Air Force Photo by: Tech. Sgt. Kevin J. Gruenwald (Released)
6/23/2004

Brigadier General Larry New, commander of the 325th Fighter Wing, Air Education and Training Command located at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, leada a formation of four F-15C Eagles and one F/A-22 Raptor, each flown by their respective squadron commander. The 325th Fighter Wing is comprised of 4,849 personnel and 78 F-15 aircraft, and provides support for about 1,400 additional personnel in 30 associate units. The wing is the exclusive training unit for F-15C and F/A-22 pilots as well as air battle managers. The 325th Fighter Wing is also responsible for training intelligence officers, maintainers and other support specialties for worldwide assignment to combat air force units.
8/2/2004

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- An F/A-22 Raptor is refueled by a KC-135 Stratotanker over the Grand Canyon National Park. The Air Warfare Center is playing a major role in the Initial Operational Test and Evaluation of the aircraft.
8/3/2004

Maj Peter Milohnic, Capt Jonathan Gration and LtCol John Saghere, pilots assigned or attached to the 27th Fighter Squadron, make there way out to the training area over the Atlantic Ocean during the F-15C Eagle's last week of flying under the 27th FS at Langley Air Force Base, VA, September 22, 2004. After October 1st, the 27th FS will officially migrate from an F-15 squadron to the first operational F/A-22 Raptor squadron currently due to arrive in mid 2005.
(USAF Photo by TSgt Ben Bloker)
9/22/2004

the arrival of the F/A-22 Raptor to Tyndall AFB Jan 7. The 43rd Fighter Squadron increased its Raptor inventory to 18 jets on its flightline with the arrival of the five new Raptors. The jets were picked up from the Lockheed Martin production plant in Marietta, Ga., Friday and pilots from the 43rd FS flew the jets home to the 325th Fighter Wing.
(U.S. Air Force photos by Isaac Gibson)

1/10/2005

OVER CALIFORNIA -- An F/A-22 Raptor flies a training mission here.
3/28/2005

Maj Kevin Dolata, an F-15 Eagle pilot from the 1st Fighter Wing, and Maj Charles Corcoran, an F/A-22 Raptor, a pilot assigned to the 27th Fighter Squadron, fly in formation in route to a training area off the coastline of Virginia, April 5, 2005. The 27th Fighter Squadron is performing regular operations with two Raptors on loan from Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla. The first Langley Air Force Base Raptor is due to arrive within the next month.
(USAF Photo by TSgt Ben Bloker)
4/5/2005

Maj Kevin Dolata and 1st Lt Alex Edwards, F-15 Eagle pilots from the 1st Fighter Wing, and Maj Charles Corcoran, an F/A-22 Raptor, a pilot assigned to the 27th Fighter Squadron, fly in formation in route to a training area off the coastline of Virginia, April 5, 2005. The 27th Fighter Squadron is performing regular operations with two Raptors on loan from Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla. The first Langley Air Force Base Raptor is due to arrive within the next month.
(USAF Photo by TSgt Ben Bloker)
4/5/2005

Major General Mike Decuir, the Director of Operations for Air Combat Command flying the P-51D "Mustang," Major Michael Shower flying the F/A-22 "Raptor," and Captain Jason Costello, the 1st Fighter Wing F-15 Demonstration team pilot, flies an echelon formation off the coast of Langley Air Force Base, VA April 27, 2005. Major Shower is getting "checked out" in heritage flight formation flying. This training sortie marked the first time the "Raptor" has flown off the wing of a P-51.
(USAF Photo by TSgt Ben Bloker)
4/27/2005

Major General Mike Decuir, the Director of Operations for Air Combat Command flying the P-51D "Mustang," Major Michael Shower flying the F/A-22 "Raptor," and Captain Jason Costello, the 1st Fighter Wing F-15 Demonstration team pilot, flies an echelon formation just off the coast of Langley Air Force Base, VA April 27, 2005. Major Shower is getting "checked out" in heritage flight formation flying. This training sortie marked the first time the "Raptor" has flown off the wing of a P-51.
(USAF Photo by TSgt Ben Bloker)
4/27/2005

OVER VIRGINIA -- Lt Col James Hecker delivers the first operational F/A-22 Raptor to its permanent home at Langley Air Force Base, Va. Tail number 3042 marks the first of 26 Raptors to be delivered to the 27th Fighter Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Ben Bloker)
5/12/2005

LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. -- Langley's first operational F/A-22 Raptor touches down here May 12. This is the first of 26 Raptors to be delivered to the 27th Fighter Squadron. The Raptor program is managed by the F/A-22 System Program Office at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.
5/12/2005

OVER VIRGINIA -- Lt. Col. James Hecker flies over Fort Monroe before delivering the first operational F/A-22 Raptor to its permanent home at Langley Air Force Base, Va., on May 12. This is the first of 26 Raptors to be delivered to the 27th Fighter Squadron. The Raptor program is managed by the F/A-22 System Program Office at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio. Colonel Hecker is the squadron's commander. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Ben Bloker)
5/12/2005

OVER VIRGINIA -- Lt. Col. James Hecker (foreground) delivers the first operational F/A-22 Raptor to its permanent home at Langley Air Force Base, Va., on May 12. This is the first of 26 Raptors to be delivered to the 27th Fighter Squadron. The Raptor program is managed by the F/A-22 System Program Office at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio. Colonel Hecker is the squadron's commander.
5/12/2005

Two more Raptors arrive at Langley
LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. -- Lt. Col. Wade Tolliver delivers the second permanent F/A-22 Raptor here June 8. Shortly after, Maj. Charles Corcoran delivered the base's third Raptor. Colonel Tolliver is the 27th Fighter Squadron director of operations, and Major Corcoran is a pilot with the squadron.
6/8/2005

OVER CALIFORNIA -- An F/A-22 Raptor, flown by Maj. John Teichert, releases a guided bomb unit-32 1,000-pound joint direct attack munitions at supersonic speed for the first time near California's Panamint Mountain range. Major Teichert is a test pilot assigned to the 411th Flight Test Squadron at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. (U.S. Air Force photo by Darin Russell)
7/25/2005

Col Thomas Tinsley, Commander, 1st Operations Group, looks on as his wingman, LtCol James Hecker, Commander, 27th Fighter Squadron, gets gas from a McGuire Air Force Base KC-10 during a training sortie off the coast of Langley Air Force Base, VA, August 12, 2005. The 27th FS currently has five permanently assigned "Raptors." This sortie marked the "Fini" flight of Col Tinsley as Langley's Operation Group commander. LtCol Dirk Smith, Commander, 94th Fighter Squadron, is seen in the background.
(USAF Photo by TSgt Ben Bloker)
8/12/2005

LtCol James Hecker, Commander, 27th Fighter Squadron, banks his F/A-22 Raptor during a training sortie off the coast of Langley Air Force Base, VA, August 12, 2005. The 27th FS currently has five permanently assigned "Raptors."
(USAF Photo by TSgt Ben Bloker)
8/12/2005

Col Thomas Tinsley, Commander, 1st Operations Group, LtCol James Hecker, Commander, 27th Fighter Squadron, and LtCol Dirk Smith, Commander, 94th Fighter Squadron, fly in formation during a training sortie off the coast of Langley Air Force Base, VA, August 12, 2005. The 27th FS currently has five permanently assigned "Raptors." This sortie marked the "Fini" flight of Col Tinsley as Langley's Operation Group commander.
(USAF Photo by TSgt Ben Bloker)
8/12/2005

Lt. Col. James Hecker, commander, 27th Fighter Squadron stationed at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, and Lt. Col. Evan Dertein fly in formation behind a KC-10 "Extender" in route to Hill Air Force Base, Utah October 15, 2005. This operation, dubbed "Combat Hammer" gives the Air Force's first operational F/A-22 squadron a chance to deploy the aircraft to a new location and practice various operations.
(USAF photo by TSgt Ben Bloker)
10/15/2005

Major Michael Shower, a "Raptor" pilot attached to the 27th Fighter Squadron, lifts off late in the day during Langley's deployment to Hill AFB October 17, 2005. "Combat Hammer" gives the Air Force's first operational F/A-22 squadron located at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia a chance to deploy the aircraft to a new location and practice various operations.
(USAF photo by TSgt Ben Bloker)
10/17/2005

Members of the 27th Aircraft Maintenance Unit (AMU) make final inspection checks of an F/A-22 Raptor before the launch of the Raptor to Hill AFB for an F/A-22 Raptor exercise. Each of the three fighter squadrons has their own AMU's, the members of the AMU conducts all maintenance checks and repairs for all the aircraft at Langley Air Force Base.

(U.S Air Force Photo by Staff Sgt. Eric T. Sheler)
10/18/2005