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The Air Force announced in February that the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center had rated the Raptor "effective and potentially suitable" during initial operational test and evaluation. The Air Force noted the operational effectiveness of the F/A-22 is "overwhelmingly effective, demonstrated by the Raptor's ability to operate against adversary ground and air defenses with impunity. Ground defenses could not engage the F/A-22, nor could adversary aircraft survive." AFOTEC rated the Raptor "potentially suitable," because it met interim milestones but did not yet meet full requirements for operational use. IOT&E testing began in April 2004. The Raptor is expected to reach initial operational capability by the end of 2005.
Photo By Tsgt. Kevin Gruenwald
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