The Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor is an American single-seat twin-engine, all-weather stealth tactical combat aircraft developed specifically for the United States Air Force (USAF). As a result of the USAF's Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF) program, the aircraft was designed primarily as an air superiority fighter, but also features ground attack, electronic warfare, and signal intelligence capabilities. [2] Prime contractor Lockheed Martin built and finalized most of the F-22's hull and weapon systems. Boeing provided the wings, rear fuselage, avionics integration, and training systems.

The aircraft was variously designated F-22 and F / A-22 before officially entering service as the F-22A in December 2005. USAF officials view the F-22 as a critical component of the service's tactical air force, despite its long development and various operational problems. The combination of invisibility, aerodynamic performance and avionic systems provides unprecedented air combat capabilities. [3] [4]

Service officials had originally planned to purchase a total of 750 ATF. In 2009, the program was downgraded to 187 operational production aircraft due to high costs, the lack of air-to-air missions due to delays in Russian and Chinese fighter jet schedules, an export ban, and the development of the more versatile F-aircraft. 35. [N 1] The last F-22 was delivered in 2012.