The F-22 Raptor's Milestone Missile Launch



by Alberto Rossi

America's fastest, smartest and most lethal fighter jet, the stealthy F-22 Raptor, has fired a missile for the first time. This successful test, which took place as the F-22 flew at 20,000 feet and a speed of Mach. 07, places the FÓ22 one step closer to full production. The $84 million fighter jet represents the next generation of air dominance -- replacing the U.S. Air Force's aging fleet of F-15 Eagles. But, that price tag raises some questions as to whether it's worth the investment. The Air Force says we need it to shorten wars and save lives.

If the Pentagon agrees, it could put into motion billions of dollars for jobs and jets, one of the first major investments in the aerospace industry in years. That's only if the F-22 continues to pass a battery of Pentagon mandated tests. This latest test successfully places the fighter right on target -- a milestone in proving the Raptor's military utility.

F-22 Capabilities

This jet will have the ability to launch lethal weapons such as the advanced medium-range radar-guided AIM-120C air-to-air missile (AMRAAM) and drop 1,0000 pound, satellite-guided Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM) air-to-ground weapons. The standard weapons loadout for the F-22 will be two Sidewinders in the side-weapons bays and six AMRAAMs in the main-weapons bay, or two Sidewinders in the side bays, and two AMRAAMs and two JDAMs in the main bay.

To date the F-22 has flown approximately 650 hours and completed some 5,000 test points. It is designed to replace the F-15 Eagle and will posses combat capabilities not equaled by any other fighter in the world. Edwards is home to three F-22s now being tested. A fourth F-22 is scheduled for delivery in mid-August.