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 The F-22 Raptor completed another major milestone recently that put it approximately three weeks ahead of the test schedule. Called “Initiate High AOA With Weapons Bay Doors Open,” the test required the F-22 to perform flight maneuvers at high angles of attack with the center weapons bay doors open to evaluate how well the bay doors withstand the significant changes in pressure gradients generated by the airflow passing by the fuselage. The test was conducted by the Combined Test Force at Edwards AFB, California.
Test engineers at the F-22 testing facility said the aircraft passed its milestone “with flying colors.” Test pilot Jon Beesley, who flew Raptor 4002 during the test, concurred. The specific maneuvers performed by Beesley included 360-degree rolls and full-pedal sideslips in which the pedals, or rudder controls, are pushed to the full extent of their control travel. The tests were accomplished at an altitude of 35,000 feet and at varying airspeeds. While the details of the test profile remain sensitive, the aircraft’s performance continued to exceed capabilities of all other fighter aircraft currently in use.
This milestone, which was set by the Defense Acquisition Board, was the third of nine flight test milestones completed this year. Edwards is currently testing three F-22s. Since testing began, a little over two years ago, the F-22 program has flown over 740 hours and completed over 8,000 flight test points, or evaluation items, and over 2,500 maintenance or logistics test points. The Raptor completed other milestones this year with Raptor 4003, including AIM-9 separation testing. |
