Raptor 4003’s arrival marks a new stage in the F-22 program, said Col. C.D. Moore, the F-22 Combined Test Force director. Calling it his “workhorse,” Moore said the plane “will carry a huge burden” for the next two and one-half years. “This plane will take us to the edge of a Raptor’s flight envelope in max speed, max altitude, and max maneuverability,” Moore said. “Ship 3 keeps our program on track and on schedule for taking on some tough test challenges.”

Lt. Col. Steve Rainey, 411th Flight Test Squadron commander and an F-22 test pilot, said having the Air Force’s newest Raptor test pilot, Lt. Col. Bill Craig, deliver the aircraft made the event even more meaningful for the expanding program. “It shows we are gradually bringing in more and more pilots,” Rainey said. “Their training is becoming easier as the aircraft matures.” Along with new pilots, the F-22 CTF also will be receiving more test aircraft this year, including Raptor 4004, which will be the first F-22 installed with advanced avionics. This avionics capability will help the Raptor become the world’s dominant air-superiority fighter.