Another Raptor is Born

Another Raptor is Born

Raptor 4004, the first F-22 test aircraft equipped with a revolutionary, fully integrated avionics suite, is towed from Lockheed Martin's final assembly facility here. Lockheed Martin successfully completed final assembly of Raptor 4004 with more than a 10 percent cost reduction over earlier F-22s due to lean-manufacturing principles. The new stealth fighter will now enter LMAS's state-of-the-art robotic coatings facility where its final finishes will be applied. Later this year, the fighter will become part of the F-22 Combined Test Force at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif.


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