LOCKHEED-MARTIN F-22 RAPTOR: AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY

It's called the Raptor. The F-22 will be the US Air Force's premier fighter for the first decades of the 21st Century. Like other expensive military programs, the F-22 endured continuous scrutiny throughout its development - the aircraft that evolved was worth the wait. The F-22 is definitely "top gun" - it is more agile than current US aircraft, has stealth capability, and is flexible in both air-to-air and air-to-ground attack missions. The Raptor is planned to start operational service with the US Air Force in the year 2004, and when on-line, will provide a capability far beyond that of any other fighter aircraft.