F/A-22 Raptor Enters Follow-On Test and Evaluation

Published: Aug 30, 2005
Source: biz.yahoo.com



MARIETTA, Ga., Aug. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT - News) F/A-22 Raptor team marked another milestone today toward operational fielding of the F/A-22 when the U.S. Air Force officially began Follow-On Test and Evaluation (FOT&E) at Nellis Air Force Base (AFB) in Nevada.

For the next several weeks, seven Raptors will fly in a series of event-based operational battlespace scenarios. This phase of testing will further demonstrate the overwhelmingly effective performance of the aircraft, and its suitability and readiness for Initial Operational Capability later this year.

"We at Lockheed Martin, along with our partners Boeing and Pratt & Whitney, and thousands of men and women at nearly 1,000 subcontractors in 42 states, who build the F/A-22 Raptor, are honored to be part of this proud moment for the team and for the U.S. Air Force. FOT&E will build on the success achieved in Initial Operational Test and Evaluation late last year in which the Raptor was declared 'overwhelmingly effective,' an unparalleled score for a new weapons system. The contractor team is committed to supporting the Air Force during FOT&E as it continues to expand the Raptor's capability and improved suitability," said Larry Lawson, executive vice president and general manager, F/A-22 program for Lockheed Martin.continue..