The US F-35 stealth fighter fleet has a readiness problem that 6 years and over $12 billion haven't fixed, watchdog finds
Story by cpanella@businessinsider.com (Chris Panella) • 16h
The F-22 Raptor, a fifth-generation stealth jet developed by Lockheed Martin, is considered the top US air superiority fighter.
As one of the US Air Force's most advanced jets, the supersonic fighter is outfitted with cutting-edge military technology. It was one of the first fighters designed with supercruise capability, allowing it to fly at supersonic speeds without using afterburners.
Despite granting the US an edge in air dominance, the Air Force scaled down its planned fleet of F-22s due to budget constraints, the high cost of production, and a shifting focus to more modern platforms.
With less than 200 aircraft operated by the Air Force, the limited F-22 fleet has been reserved for high-priority missions, including reconnaissance and aerial interdiction.
It's rare to see the Raptor in action and even rarer to step inside its cockpit, which makes Maj. Samuel "RaZZ" Larson's role as F-22 Demonstration Team commander particularly unique.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/the-us-f-35-stealth-fighter-fleet-has-a-readiness-problem-that-6-years-and-over-12-billion-haven-t-fixed-watchdog-finds/ar-AA1sJC4z?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=HCTS&cvid=cd8144919c28466bbbd9c3547b6560df&ei=122
