F-22 passes 'mission capable' flight test

Published: Jan 16, 2006
Source: www.upi.com



WASHINGTON, Jan. 16 (UPI) -- The Air Force has said the F-22 fighter plane has been rated "mission capable" in the air-to-ground strike role by service operational testers.

The F-22 is the Air Force's cherished and newest fighter aircraft. It is also expensive and controversial: at between $100 million and $200 million each -- depending on whether the Air Force or the plane's detractors are doing the math -- the Air Force can only afford to buy around 180 of them.

The Lockheed Martin-built F-22 is due to replace not just the F-15 but also the F-117 stealth fighter, which the Air Force is now planning to retire in 2007 and 2008. The F-117 Nighthawk has been the first day fighter-bomber in all major wars since Operation Desert Storm in 1991.continue..