The Raptors are finally flying

[drivesafe]

Here’s some great in-flight pictures of the first of the F/A-22 Raptor in route to Langley, Virginia.

I wonder how long before we get ours


https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2007/07/459.jpg


https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2007/07/460.jpg


https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2007/07/461.jpg


https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2007/07/462.jpg

[Gromit68]

Keep waiting!

The US has formally advised that they won't be selling any F-22 Raptors to the RAAF.

Thus, the wait for the JSF continues...

[Outlaw]

Ohhhhhh square cut... could be an aerodynamic fender

[HangOver]

looks like someting from thunderbirds, only with more punch !

[Phoenix]

The F22 raptors the US have said they won't sell to anybody, although they are talking about letting japan have some. dunno if it will happen though.

We are throwing money at the F-35 JSF (Joint Strike Fighter), which will get a beter name at some point, but it is a generation beyond the F-22.

That said, the F-35 will be more multi purpose like the F-16, where as the F-22 is an air superiority fighter (they are calling it an air dominance fighter) like the F-15 was.

[FenianEel]

Saw one of our new C-17's over Chermside yesterday. They are a beast.
We've only got 2 I think, and they're based at Amberley.
They look like Thunderbird 2 :D

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2007/07/421.jpg

[Phoenix]

Yup, we have 2, and I think we are getting 3 or 4 all up, but they provide an extraordinary air asset.

I watched a C-17 do a display that you would expect from a fighter at avalon airshow one year.

[Frenchie]

Interesting reading the development timeline for this aircraft.

Development started in 1981! First prototype flew in 1990 and entered USAF service in 2005. But they still only have a few of them.