The F-22 has been judged “effective, suitable, and mission capable,” according to the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center. AFOTEC just completed Phase II of the Follow-On Operational Test and Evaluation of the Raptor, a “significant milestone in terms of validating the F-22’s combat capability” to perform offensive counter-air missions and destruction of enemy air defenses, according to AFOTEC commander Maj. Gen. Steve Sargeant. The F-22 was scrutinized for its air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities, mission generation, and mission support. Lockheed Martin makes the F-22, and company VP Jim Grant said at a Wednesday press conference that “if you know anything about how tough they are in FOT&E, this is a rave.”
B-21 Raider First Flight Now Postponed to 2023
May 20, 2022
The Air Force says the B-21 Raider won't make its first flight until 2023; about a six-month delay from the last official estimates. No reason was given for the delay. While other programs have recently chalked up schedule slips to supply chain and labor shortages, the Air Force has said…