Air Power Series>1:72 die-cast display model>F-22>HA2817

General Background

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.

The Aircraft

Formed in 1917 as the 90th Aero Squadron at Kelly Field, Texas and after 16 name changes they became the 90th FS “Dicemen” with their squadron emblem a lucky 7 “Pair O’ Dice”. The 90th FS is the fourth oldest fighter squadron in the USAF. The 90th FS is part the 3rd Wing and Air Force Reserve Command 477th Fighter Group. Elmendorf replaced their F-15E Strike Eagles with 40 F-22s, 20 for the 90th FS and 20 for the 525th FS. F-22 09-4190 was produced in 2009 as c/n 645-4190.

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
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.
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.