The F/A-22 Raptor successfully completed the 16th load static test recently. There are three more tests left in the process to certify the strength of the Raptors airframe. [Courtesy photo]

Tech. Sgt. Dan Stevens, 411th Flight Test Squadron, uses a non-contact infrared thermometer while curing the coating on an F/A-22 Raptor. To ensure the base continues flight-testing large programs such as the F/A-22, the 412th Test Wing is re-engineering the way it does...

Capt. Chris Batterton aggressively banks his F-22A Raptor during a basic fighting maneuver training mission off the Virginia coast in January 2006. The captain is with the 27th Fighter Squadron, the Air Force's first unit to fly the Raptor. The 1st Fighter Wing declared...

"We did it!" Ralph D. Heath tells the crowd gathered at Langley AFB on January 13th, 2006 at the F-22A Raptor's initial operating capability ceremony. Mr. Heath is the executive vice president of Lockheed Martin's aeronautical division. The IOC declaration means the Air...

Col. Thomas Bergeson and Lt. Col. James Hecker prepare to take flight in their respective F-22A Raptors Jan. 21 during an Operation Noble Eagle mission. This historical event marks the first time the F-22A Raptor is participating in the joint services operation to protect...
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An F-22A Raptor takes off from Langley Air Force Base Jan. 21 during an Operation Noble Eagle mission. This historical event marks the first time the F-22A Raptor is participating in the joint services operation to protect American soil. The Raptor is piloted by Lt. Col. James...
See also: F-22 Raptor takes part in Operation Noble Eagle

An F-22A Raptor refuels from a KC-135R Stratotanker Jan. 21. This refueling was part of the Raptor's first operational mission. The KC-135 is with the 916th Air Refueling Wing. [U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Shane Dunaway]
See also: F-22 Raptor takes part in Operation Noble Eagle

A guided AIM-120 Advanced-Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile deploys from the F-22. [Photo by Steve Zapka]

After his F/A-22 Raptor qualification flight here, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper answers questions during a press conference. [U.S. Air Force photo]