F-22A Raptor. Updated March 5, 2009

摘要

The F-22A Raptor is a next-generation fighter/attack aircraft that features the latest stealth technology to reduce detection by radar. Using more advanced engines and avionics than the current F-15 Eagle, the F-22A is intended to maintain U.S. Air Force capabilities against more sophisticated enemy aircraft and air defenses in the 21st century. This report examines the Air Forces F-22A Raptor program, including costs and schedule; considers several key issues, and concludes with a synopsis of recent legislative activity on the program. In 1986, two contractors were selected to build competing prototypes, Lockheed's YF-22 and Northrop's YF-23, which were flight tested in late 1990. In April 1991, the Air Force selected Lockheed's YF-22 design for full-scale development, now termed System Development and Demonstration (SDD). The aircraft is powered by Pratt & Whitney's F119 engine, selected in competition with General Electric's F120 engine. In December 2005, the Air Force announced that the 12 F-22 aircraft with the 27th Fighter Squadron had reached initial operational capability (IOC). A 184-aircraft program was estimated by the Department of Defense (DoD) in September 2006 to cost about $65.2 billion in actual prior-year and projected out-year expenditures. The Administration's FY2007 budget requested $2.6 billion for the F-22A program, and the authority to enter into a multiyear procurement (MYP) for the final 3 years of production. Congress granted both these requests, but denied the Air Force's request to incrementally fund F-22 procurement. Under DoD's current plan, FY2009 is the final year of F-22 procurement funding. Sufficient funds have been provided by Congress and disbursed by DoD to keep the F-22 production line open until the next presidential administration is in place. Many, including Air Force leaders, argue that more F-22s are required than are currently planned and urge Congress to provide additional funds.