Raptuous Raptor

摘要

The Lockheed Martin/Boeing F-22 Raptor is what is known as the fifth generation, stealth fighter aircraft and by all accounts the Raptor is the premier air superiority fighter in the world today. Although air superiority is its primary role, it does have multiple capabilities that include ground attack, electronic warfare and signal intelligence roles. It was designed in response to a new USAF requirement issued in 1981 for a new air superiority fighter to replace the capability of the F-15 Eagle and to counter emerging fighter technology from the Soviet Union including the new (at the time) Su-27 Flanker series of aircraft. Lockheed/Boeing, together with rivals Northrop/McDonnell Douglas were selected to undertake the development phase of the new aircraft in 1986 - the former winning the contract with its YF-22 prototype. The decision was made in 1991. The first production F-22 was delivered to Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, in January 2003.