F-22 RAPTOR NEWSLETTER Vol.1, Issue 3

CONTRACTS TO LOCKHEED MARTIN LAUNCH F-22 INTO PRODUCTION
Marietta, GA - January 4, 1999

Production on the F-22 Raptor took off last week. The U.S. Air Force exercised a contract option with Lockheed Martin Corporation for advance procurement of six Low Rate Initial Production aircraft.

"This is a great way to close out 1998," said Brig.Gen. Michael C. Mushala, director of the F-22 System Program Office at Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. "The hard work of many dedicated people - Air Force and contractor - has been rewarded with this decision to build two more F-22s and begin preparations for the first six production fighters."

For the complete story, please visit:
http://lmasc.external.lmco.com/f22/news.html

SENSOR WING INSTALLED ON F-22 FLYING TEST BED
Seattle, WA - Dec. 7,1998

Boeing installed a unique sensor wing on its 757 Flying Test Bed. Installed on the crown of the modified 757 jet, the sensor wing was designed to simulate the same wing sweep and orientation as an F-22 wing.

For more information, please visit:
http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/1998/news_release_981207n.htm

BOEING DELIVERS FIRST F-22 AVIONICS SOFTWARE
Seattle, WA - November 30,1998

Boeing delivered the first F-22 integrated avionics software package to its 757 Flying Test Bed, two weeks ahead of schedule. Bob Barnes, Boeing F-22 program manager and vice president, said the software delivery is critical in keeping program on track for a production contract award. "More than 5,000 hours of testing were completed in our avionics integration laboratory prior to delivery," Barnes said. "Our folks have been working extremely hard not only to meet this milestone, but to get there ahead of schedule."

For more information, please visit:
http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/1998/news_release_981130n.htm

F-22 RAPTOR SOARS PAST 183 FLIGHT HOUR MARK
Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio - Nov. 23, 1998

The F-22 Raptor soared past a mark mandated by the U.S. Congress - 183 flight-hours - beating a Thanksgiving target date set by the Air Force chief of staff.

For more information, please visit:
http://news.lmasc.com/article.htm?article_id=80

F-22 ACHIEVES FIRST SUPERSONIC FLIGHT: READIES FOR SUPERCRUISE
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base - Ohio, Oct. 12, 1998

On this breakthrough day for the F-22, test pilot Jon Beesley flew the first F-22 built by Air Force contractors Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and Pratt & Whitney faster than the speed of sound for the first time.