The F-22 Raptor is considered by many to be the most advanced fighter ever made and the very definition of air superiority. This is great news for Lockheed Martin, as it was their mission to produce a fighter whose capabilities had never been seen before. No other fighter combines the level of stealth, speed, maneuverability, weaponry, and avionics of the Raptor. The F 22’s first flight was in 1997 and finally entered service in 2005 as the F-22A. Since it was introduce into service, the F-22 has been identified as a critical piece of the air combat capabilities and has dominated the skies ever since. With all that being said, the development team for the F-22 won the Collier Award in 2006 which is American Aviation’s most prestigious award.
50. The F-22 Is Only Available In The United States
Lockheed Martin developed the F-22 Raptor exclusively for use by the United States. The Obey Amendment to the 1998 Department of Defense Appropriations Act prohibits the sale of the F-22 to foreign governments. Unlike the F-22, aircraft such as the F-35 Lightning II was intended for international sale with U.S. allies to help bring down the cost. One reason for the exclusion of selling F-22 abroad was concerns over technology leaks into the wrong hands.