I guess it was just a matter of time before we got an 'in Action' title on one of the world's newest and most capable fighters, the F-22 Raptor. Even though not in operational service for a decade, all of the aircraft that have been contracted (187) with no real likelihood of more until something can be done about the huge US debt, much of which comes from the cost of military equipment and operations.

Though far fewer than the near 650 that the USAF really wanted, one has to wonder if such a type is really what is appropriate for not only now but also for the future. I know there are several sides to each situation, but until costs can be brought into check, I see very few nations able to afford aircraft such as the F-22, which cost  approx $200 million dollars just to roll it out the door. Add to that the R&D upgrade costs (currently at 8 billion), that raises the cost per plane to around 400 million (Reading various internet articles on F-22 costs, I found most of them higher and some lower, depending on who is crunching the numbers). Each F-22 costs over 3 million dollars a year to maintain, roughly five to six times the cost of the F-15 Eagle. As you can see a pricey plane and one highly unlikely to see even as widespread a use as the Eagle. Four have been lost so far, three of them to software glitches.

However, for that money, the US has gotten the best fighter in the world. Period. Developed in a fly off with the equally competent YF-23 from Northrop, the winner was basically determined by who offered to produce the plane for less as the YF-23 would have been a more expensive plane to build. One can only wonder how much the YF-23 would have changed compared to the current F-22, which shares very little with the YF-22 prototypes aside from general shape.

The F-22 is based where the greatest threat is expected, and that means most are in Alaska and near Washington DC. There is a training unit in Florida as well as the test and evaluation units at Edwards and Nellis AFB. Some of these units are co-manned by ANG personnel, something that has become the norm as ANG squadrons lose their own aircraft.

Lou Drendel's book covers the development, systems and deployment of the F-22 since its inception. This includes a bevy of very cool color photos of these planes in flight as well as carefully photographed ones of the plane being maintained. Thanks to official military and manufacturer photos, which comprise the majority of images, we have some very spectacular views of the plane. I especially like the ones where it is pulling high Gs in humid air with vortices going everywhere. The images of the various weapons bays will be particularly enjoyed by the detail fans as everything on this plane is behind a set of stealthy doors, including such things as the flare/chaff dispensers.

It all makes for an excellent reference on this super fighter in its first decade of use. It will be interesting to see what the future provides. A book that I enjoyed reading and one that I know you will like as well.

July 2011

Thanks to Squadron Products for the review book. Get yours at your local shop today.

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