We've passed the twentieth anniversary of the F-22

Since no one else seemed inclined to acknowledge the 20 years- amazing how time flies even faster than jets- since Raptor 4001 flew, I thought it was appropriate to give a nod to the best manned fighter ever built.

A little news also seems appropriate...the USAF has passed along the estimated cost to Congress on how much money it would take to upgrade the remaining non-combat coded Raptors. That number is around 33 or 34 units. It would include those units that are reserved for testing.

This includes HMCSs for those units!

While this is going to be down the road, it is interesting where these newly coded units would be stationed. Assuming a squadron would be retained for training, that would leave what (?) two squadrons for potential placement elsewhere. Kadena? Lakenheath? No change?

So to celebrate this full generation length of the Raptor's existence, I invite general comments on the rocky road, both politically and technically this amazing aircraft has endured.

My two-bits worth is that I cede reality that twenty years is long enough to discard any possibility, or frankly need for a new raptor run. More than enough time has passed to move straight to sixth gen development. I may be slow but eventually I get it...

My last comment is this: The YF-23 was NEVER the better choice. It could have perhaps ended up the better platform or, equally possible, a worse one. It was never faster than the YF-22, unless paper projections trump actual physical comparisons. It was a close call, though, and zero regrets on my part selecting the 22 over the 23. JMO, though.

A magnificent airplane. One that we should all be proud of.

a reply to: nwtrucker

Thanks. There's pictures of the plane at: en.wikipedia.org...

originally posted by: TonyS
a reply to: nwtrucker

Thanks. There's pictures of the plane at: en.wikipedia.org...

Thanks. I forgot the link on the upgrade costs.

www.flightglobal.com...