Role	Stealth air superiority fighter
National origin	United States
Manufacturer	Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Boeing Defense, Space & Security
First flight	7 September 1997[1]
Introduction	15 December 2005
Status	In service
Primary user	United States Air Force
Produced	F-22: 1996–2011[2]
Number built	195 (8 test and 187 operational aircraft)[2][3]
Program cost	US$66.7 billion[4]
Unit cost	US$150 million (flyaway cost for FY2009)[5]
Developed from	Lockheed YF-22
Developed into	Lockheed Martin X-44 MANTA Lockheed Martin FB-22

The Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor is a single-seat, twin-engine, all weather stealth tactical fighter aircraftdeveloped for the United States Air Force (USAF). The result of the USAF's Advanced Tactical Fighter program, the aircraft was designed primarily as an air superiority fighter, but has additional capabilities including ground attack, electronic warfare, and signals intelligence roles.^[6] Lockheed Martin is the prime contractor and is responsible for the majority of the airframe, weapon systems, and final assembly of the F-22. Program partnerBoeing provides the wings, aft fuselage, avionics integration, and training systems.


The aircraft was variously designated F-22 and F/A-22 prior to formally entering service in December 2005 as the F-22A. Despite a protracted development and operational issues, the USAF considers the F-22 a critical component of its tactical air power, and claims that the aircraft is unmatched by any known or projected fighter.^[7] The Raptor's combination of stealth, aerodynamic performance, and situational awareness gives the aircraft unprecedented air-to-air capabilities.^[8] Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, former Chief of the Australian Defence Force, said in 2004 that the "F-22 will be the most outstanding fighter plane ever built."^[9]


The high cost of the aircraft, a lack of clear air-to-air missions due to delays in Russian and Chinese fighter programs, a ban on exports, and development of the more affordable and versatile F-35 led to the end of F-22 production.^{[N 1]} A final procurement tally of 187 operational production aircraft was established in 2009 and the last F-22 was delivered to the USAF in 2012.