AETCNS 010705005
Jan. 7, 2005
Base Welcomes New Raptors
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (AETCNS) -- Five new F/A-22 Raptors arrived here Jan. 7 from the Lockheed-Martin Aeronautics plant in Marietta, Ga..
With the arrival, Tyndall now has 18 F/A-22s assigned.
The aircraft are assigned to the 43rd Fighter Squadron which is charged with training U.S. Air Force F/A-22 pilots.
The Raptor is a multi-role fighter aircraft designed to perform both air-to-air and air-to-ground combat missions. It has the latest stealth technology, integrated avionics, increased maneuverability and the capability to reach and maintain supersonic speeds without using afterburners.
The 325th Fighter Wing was selected to perform F/A-22 pilot training in August 2000. The first aircraft arrived here in September 2003.