Green Light Means More Raptors, More Jobs
The Lockheed Martin F/A-22 Raptor
fighter aircraft has been given the green light by Department of
Defense acquisition officials to enter into full-rate
production.
An acquisition decision information paper released by the
Department of Defense on April 18 states "The Under Secretary of
Defense (Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics) [Michael W. Wynne]
approved the full rate production capability of the F/A-22." This
decision officially transitions the Air Force's premier fighter
program to a new level of confidence and maturity.
"This is great news for warfighters whether they are soldiers on
the ground or airmen guarding the skies," said Larry Lawson,
Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company executive vice president and
general manager of the F/A-22 program.
"This decision reflects confidence in the performance of the
aircraft demonstrated during an exhaustive Independent Operational
Test & Evaluation program as well as the team's proven ability
to produce the aircraft," Lawson added. "This is the culmination of
a tremendous effort put forward by many in the Air Force as well as
industry. The Raptor team understands the overwhelming capability
the F/A-22 provides is vital today and must also be relevant for
three to four decades to come."
This F/A-22 program milestone
follows initial operational test findings in February and March by
both the Air Force and the Department of Defense, which judged the
aircraft to be "overwhelming effective" in its performance. Air
Force pilots will be able to dominate any engagement with the
Raptor. The F/A-22 will provide protection for troops no matter
where they are, to an extent never before possible.
The F/A-22 Raptor, the world's most advanced fighter, is built
by Lockheed Martin in partnership with Boeing and Pratt &
Whitney. Parts and subsystems are provided by approximately 1,000
suppliers in 42 states. F/A-22 production takes place at Lockheed
Martin Aeronautics facilities in Palmdale, CA; Meridian, MS;
Marietta, GA; and Fort Worth, TX, as well as at Boeing's plant in
Seattle, WA. Final assembly and initial flight testing of the
Raptor occurs at the Marietta plant facilities.
The Raptor is slated to reach initial operational capability in
December 2005 at Langley Air Force Base, Va. The F/A-22's balanced
design of stealth, supercruise speed, supportability and
super-agility, along with its advanced integrated avionics, will
enable combat commanders to change the way future wars are
fought.