Operational Raptors Fire First Missiles

Published: Feb 23, 2006
Source: www.military.com



Tyndall AFB, FL. - The 27th Fighter Squadron made history when two F-22A Raptor pilots fired air-to-air missiles Feb. 14. It was the jet's first official air-to-air weapons system evaluation since becoming operational two months ago.

Nearly 40 Airmen from the Langley Air Force Base, Va., squadron participated in the evaluation program, known as Combat Archer, at the 83rd Fighter Weapons Squadron here.

"It's not every day that you can go out and shoot a live missile," said Lt. Col. Raymond O'Mara, 83rd FWS commander. "(Combat Archer) is a great training opportunity for pilots to see how the whole system works and it instills confidence in them that the weapon system is going to work when they need it."continue..