F-22 Raptor 4003 Completes Engine Runs; Satisfies Another DAB Criterion
MARIETTA, Ga.--- The F-22 contractor team has accomplished another major program goal for 1999 by successfully completing engine runs on Raptor 4003, the most recent addition to the U.S. Air Force's stable of next-generation air dominance fighter jets here at Lockheed Martin Aeronautical Systems (LMAS).
The engine runs -- which consisted of engine de-preservation starts, generator checks and environmental control system (ECS) flow checks for both engines -- occurred about two weeks ahead of schedule and lasted for 45 minutes during the afternoon of Wednesday, 6 October.
"This would not have been possible without a total team effort on the part of our Integrated Product Teams and representatives from Pratt & Whitney, just to mention a few,'' Bob Rearden, LMAS vice president & F-22 program general manager, said. "Successfully completing Raptor 4003's engine runs on the first attempt this far ahead of schedule is a truly awesome accomplishment.''
Raptor 4003's engine runs completes yet another -- and the next to last for this year -- Defense Acquisition Board (DAB) criterion, all of which must be satisfied before the Pentagon will consider putting the F-22 into low-rate production. Other 1999 DAB criteria previously satisfied included demonstration of the Raptor's super-cruise and 60 degree angle-of-attack flight capabilities.
"Only one more DAB criterion to go -- delivery of the F-22's Block 2 software to the program's Flying Test Bed -- and we will have completed all approved DAB criteria for 1999,'' U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Michael Mushala -- the F-22's system program director -- added.
The F-22 Raptor is being developed to counter lethal threats posed by advanced surface-to-air missile systems and next generation fighters equipped with launch-and-leave missiles. It is widely regarded as the most advanced fighter in the world, combining a revolutionary leap in technology and capability with reduced support requirements and maintenance costs. It will replace the F-15 as America's front-line, air superiority fighter, with deliveries to operational units beginning in 2002.
The F-22's combination of stealth, integrated avionics, maneuverability and super-cruise will give Raptor pilots a first-look, first-shot, first-kill capability against the aircraft of any potential enemy. The F-22 is designed to provide not just air superiority, but air dominance, winning quickly and decisively with few U.S. casualties. The Raptor also has an inherent air-to-ground capability.
Lockheed Martin leads the contractor team working closely with the U.S. Air Force on the F-22 program. Air vehicle team members include LMAS, Lockheed Martin Tactical Aircraft Systems in Fort Worth, Texas, and Boeing. Pratt & Whitney provides the Raptor with its F119 super-cruise engines.
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F-22 Raptor 4003 Completes Engine Runs; Satisfies Another DAB Criterion
