Air Force Bike on display Friday at mall (31) Aug 6, 2009
The motorcycle is 10 feet long and is modeled after the F-22 Raptor, complete with Air Force symbol rims, riveted gas tank, Raptor exhausts and rearview mirrors in the shape of jets. Reader Comments The comments below are from readers of Democratherald. (Albany Democrat-Herald, OR)
Pressing the 'Reset Button' on Defense Aug 4, 2009
An Air Force F-22 Raptor (AP Photo/US Navy) ... As a command pilot with more than 3,400 flying hours, I could not help but take notice of the administration's zeal last week in ending the F-22 Raptor program, which produces the most advanced strike fighter in the world. (CBS News)
Air Force C-130 to Test Maintenance Program Jul 30, 2009
" While Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City and Hill Air Force Base in Ogden, Utah, are also doing high-velocity maintenance tests, with the B-1B Lancer at Tinker AFB and the F-22 Raptor at Hill AFB, Robins AFB will be the first to actually implement the program. Comments 7/29/2009 3:52:49 PM ETIncredible time saving concept but without ISO docks in the field a frightening amount of indigenous maintenance capablity and expertise will disappear from the C-130 world. Airlines don't typically... (DOD DefenseLINK)
Myths Of The Raptor Jul 29, 2009
The Air Force's F-22 Raptor. (AP Photo/US Navy). (CBS News -- Politics)
Could These Intended Cuts Devastate the Military? Jul 29, 2009
Last week, the Obama administration succeeded in killing the F-22 Raptor program, ending production of the fastest, longest-range, stealthiest, most survivable strike fighter in the world. Obama s stated reasoning was that we haven t used the F-22 in Iraq and Afghanistan. (Human Events Online)
Readers Write, 7/26 Jul 25, 2009
8:52 p.m. Friday, July 24, 2009. Saxby Chambliss is still beating the F-22 dead horse. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Senate sides with Obama, defunds jet engine Jul 24, 2009
FILE - This June 22, 2009 photo released by the U.S. Navy shows an Air Force F-22 Raptor executing a supersonic flyby over the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis in the Gulf of Alaska. The Senate voted Tuesday to halt production of the Air Force's missile-eluding F-22 Raptor fighter jets in a high-stakes, veto-laden showdown over President Barack Obama's efforts to shift defense spending to a next generation of smaller, single-engine F-35 Joint Strike Fighters. (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
Dems: Military will be 'dragged into conflict if climate change goes unchecked'... Jul 24, 2009
President Obama scored a major victory yesterday in his push to reform the Pentagon when the Senate voted to halt production of the Air Force s top fighter jet, the F-22 Raptor - a rare setback for the nation s powerful defense industry. (Globe Staff, 7/22/09). (The Drudge Report)
Power Breakfast: Recessions impact, F-22, Lake Lanier Jul 23, 2009
The U.S. Senate for the F-22 Raptor fighter jet assembled in Marietta. With the 58-40 vote, production at Lockheed Martins Marietta plant and other factories that make parts of the plane is expected to end in 2011, writes AJC reporter Bob Keefe. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Business)
Boxer and Feinstein Play Military Hawks Jul 23, 2009
In a speech to the Economic Club of Chicago this month, Department of Defense Secretary Robert Gates laid out the case for discontinuing the F-22 Raptor: "The F-22, to be blunt, does not make much sense anyplace else in the spectrum of conflict." In English that means that plane has not been used in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Gates wants to slay the beast, but he understands you have to feed the beast before you can kill it. (Townhall.com)
Senators vote against the F-22 Jul 22, 2009
75 billion from the Defense Authorization Bill that would have funded additional F-22 Raptor fighter jets beyond 187 that have already been authorized by the government ... to remove the production of additional F-22 Raptors from the 2010 defense bill passed 58-40. (Dallas Business Journal, TX)
No new funding for F-22 Jul 22, 2009
WASHINGTON Despite an impassioned debate led by Georgia's Saxby Chambliss, the U.S. Senate sided with the White House on Tuesday and voted to end production of the F-22 Raptor fighter jet assembled in Marietta. U.S. Air Force Production of F-22s at Lockheed Martins Marietta plant and other factories that make parts of the plane is expected to end in 2011. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Metro)
U.N.: Can halt violence against women Jul 22, 2009
1 of 10 An Air Force F-22 Raptor executes a supersonic flyby over the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis near Alaska on June 22, 2009. The U.S. Senate voted on July 21, 2009 to stop production of the F-22 fighter plane, part of a plan proposed by U.S. President Barack Obama to cut spending on old defense programs. (Yahoo News -- Women's Issues)
Who Voted How on F-22 Fighter Spending Jul 22, 2009
-- The 58-40 roll call Tuesday by which the Senate voted Tuesday to halt further production of the Air Force's missile-eluding F-22 Raptor fighter jets. A "yes" vote is a vote in favor of an amendment to halt further production of the planes. (Newsmax)
President wins ondefense spending Jul 22, 2009
Many senators favored the F-22 Raptor because of the manufacturing jobs created ... WASHINGTON - President Obama scored a major victory yesterday in his push to reform the Pentagon when the Senate voted to halt production of the Air Force s top fighter jet, the F-22 Raptor - a rare setback for the nation s powerful defense industry. (Boston Globe)
Senate Sides with Obama, Cuts F-22 Money Jul 22, 2009
(WASHINTGON) The Senate voted Tuesday to halt production of the Air Force's missile-eluding F-22 Raptor fighter jets in a high-stakes, veto-laden showdown over President Barack Obama's efforts to shift defense spending to a next generation of smaller, single-engine F-35 Joint Strike Fighters ... 75 billion set aside in a $680 billion defense policy bill to build seven more F-22 Raptors, adding to the 187 stealth technology fighters already being built. (Time.com)
Defense Secretary Gates Downs the F-22 Jul 22, 2009
An Air Force F-22 Raptor Lockheed Martin / Getty. MORE.. (Time.com)
Senate vote blocks plan to add F-22s Jul 22, 2009
WASHINGTON In a political victory for the Obama administration and a surprising defeat for some lawmakers in both parties, the Senate voted Tuesday to halt further production of the Air Force's F-22 Raptor fighter jets. The 58-40 vote was on an amendment to the $680 billion defense authorization bill to strip the $1. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Senate votes to stop building F-22 fighter jets Jul 22, 2009
AP file photo - Air Force F-22 Raptor. WASHINGTON The Senate voted to terminate further production of the Air Force s topline F-22 fighter jets Tuesday, giving President Barack Obama a major spending victory and siding with the Pentagon s desire for smaller jets better suited to 21st century wars. (Helena Independent Record)
Senate votes to cut F-22 fighter Jul 22, 2009
An Air Force F-22 Raptor executes a supersonic flyby last month over the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis in the Gulf of Alaska. WASHINGTON - The Senate voted to terminate further production of the Air Force's topline F-22 fighter jets Tuesday, giving President Obama a major spending victory and siding with the Pentagon's desire for smaller jets better suited to 21st-century wars. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Lockheed Martin earnings fall 17% Jul 22, 2009
In other Lockheed Martin news Tuesday, the U.S. Senate voted 58-40 to halt production of the F-22 Raptor stealth fighter. The fighter is built by Lockheed Martin and 's (NYSE: BA) Integrated Defense Systems unit. (Denver Business Journal, CO)
Cost-Effective Drones Transforming Warfare Jul 22, 2009
On the other hand, Gates says, the United States does not need the F-22 Raptor, a fifth-generation stealth fighter-bomber. The total cost of the F-22 program so far is $62 billion, or about $350 million per aircraft. (Newsmax)
Mailbag: Monkeys on our back (July 20) Jul 21, 2009
The newest military aircraft is the F-22 Raptor. They only cost 250,000,000 each. (Albany Democrat-Herald, OR)
Hatch: Too Rushed On Health Care Jul 20, 2009
" Its not a real choice. Canada, England, Sweden, France and many other countries have proven that you can have quality medical care and free health coverage for all at the same time. by reveal5 July 19, 2009 9:47 PM EDT How can people think that this is not a good time to stop health insurance companies from ripping off their customers and leaving so many to suffer and/or die? How does that sort of logic work? by insureu2 July 19, 2009 10:52 PM EDT Too rushed??? They have had over 20 years to... (CBS News)
The F-22 runs on vintage 83 IBM software? Jul 19, 2009
In 1983, I was in the Pentagon meeting that launched the F-22 Raptor. The plan was to buy 648 jets beginning in 1996 for $60 million each (in 1983 dollars). (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Metro)
Time to do hard work of retooling Jul 19, 2009
AS BRYAN Bender suggests in his front-page July 12 piece on the F-22 Raptor, members of Congress are hearing the drumbeat for jobs louder than they re hearing the voices of reason saying that now is the time to stop building this fighter. This is not only short-sighted and harmful to our economy and security; it s simply wrong. (Boston Globe -- Editorial)
Jet lag A delay to cut funding for more F-22s has put Sen. McCain, President Obama on the same side Jul 17, 2009
Ronald Dejarnett/U.S. Navy, An Air Force F-22 Raptor executes a supersonic flyby over the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis on June 22 in the Gulf of Alaska. WASHINGTON, Abid to cut $1. (Casa Grande Valley Newspapers, AZ)
Signs of a deal in the works over F-22 spending Jul 17, 2009
Well know more after Secretary of Defense Robert Gates addresses the topic this evening in Chicago, but it looks like we may have a compromise brewing in Congress over increased spending for the Marietta-built F-22 Raptor. The Associated Press just moved the following. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Metro)
Gates challenges Congress to cut 'excess' military spending Jul 17, 2009
Washington - Defense Secretary Robert Gates says it's time for Congress, the defense industry, and even parts of his own Pentagon to end the way they've done business for decades and start by completing the controversial F-22 Raptor stealth fighter program. "Every defense dollar diverted to fund excess or unneeded capacity whether for more F-22s or anything else is a dollar that will be unavailable to take care of our people, to win the wars we are in, to deter potential... (Christian Science Monitor -- USA)
Dogfight Over the F-22: Protecting Jobs or the Nation? Jul 16, 2009
Obama, Lawmakers Fight Over F-22 Cuts in Funding Battle - TIME. Dogfight Over the F-22: Protecting Jobs or the Nation. (Time.com)
Vote Delay Keeps F-22 Alive, For Now Jul 16, 2009
Even the F-22 Raptor fighter jet's maker, Lockheed Martin () isn't fighting for it. And President Barack Obama so dislikes the notion of buying more F-22s and the waste he believes such spending represents he's following Gates' recommendation and vowing to veto an entire military spending bill if members of Congress refuse to take it out. (BusinessWeek)
Will Blue Dogs contain health care tab? Jul 15, 2009
75 billion for seven F-22 Raptor fighter jets, but theyre hoping the power of the presidency will sway some colleagues. President Barack Obama took another swipe at the advanced fighter jet, reiterating his threat to veto any bill containing F-22 funds, in letters to committee Chairman Sen. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Congress challenged to rethink costly weapons programs Jul 15, 2009
7 billion for seven more F-22 Raptor fighter jets that was added to a defense spending bill despite the fierce objections of the Pentagon and the threat of a presidential veto. The Pentagon wants to stop building the Lockheed Martin stealth plane - designed during the Cold War for air-to-air combat - and use the savings for other priorities. (Boston Globe)
McCain backs Obama on F-22 cuts Jul 15, 2009
75 billion in funding to expand the F-22 Raptor jet fighter production line. It's a showdown that pits the Obama administration, Defense Secretary Robert Gates and other top Pentagon officials and a bipartisan group of lawmakers against a faction of military leaders, airmen who favor the F-22 and members of Congress whose districts benefit from the aircraft's construction. (Honolulu Advertiser)
U.S. military needs the F-22 Raptor Jul 15, 2009
7:56 p.m. Tuesday, July 14, 2009. By Saxby Chambliss and Johnny Isakson. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
What’s behind Obama poll numbers? The economy Jul 14, 2009
Levin and McCain opened debate on the defence authorization bill with a broadside against plans to keep building the F-22 Raptor model beyond the 187 aircraft already in the budget pipeline. The new planes are opposed by the Obama administration, which has threatened to veto funding. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Lockheed's F-22 is in politicians hands Jul 14, 2009
The division said Monday the company is not commenting on ongoing budget deliberations that may determine whether the federal government should continue building F-22 Raptor fighter jets after the last order has been signed. Whatever the outcome, production will continue on planes that have yet to be delivered from a previous F-22 order that was closed in the government s 2008 fiscal year. (Dallas Business Journal, TX)
The Air Force's new poster boys: drone jocks Jul 14, 2009
Mr. Gates has attempted to shape this debate by ending production of the F-22 Raptor, the $130 million stealth fighter that the Air Force says it needs to fight China or other near-peer states. Yet ground forces engaged today demand the kind of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capability known as ISR that only the Air Force can provide, says Gen. Norton "Norty" Schwartz, the Air Force chief of staff hired last year to reshape the service and its culture. (Christian Science Monitor -- World)
A dog fight Obama seems bound to lose Jul 12, 2009
But when it comes to the administration s proposal to end production of the F-22 Raptor fighter jet to save billions of dollars over the next decade, the New Hampshire Democrat is drawing the line: Hodes has joined others members of the president s own party to insist the Air Force buy more of the planes despite fierce objections from the Pentagon and even the threat of a presidential veto ... Graphic F-22 Raptor fighter jet. (Boston Globe)
Air Force Chief of Staff Visits Airmen in Alaska Jul 11, 2009
" He went on to tell the Airmen that every career specialty matters to the mission, and it is a mission that demands precision and reliability. Being the best is the only option, he said, "We owe the American public nothing less," General Schwartz said. General Schwartz addressed one of the main issues on the minds of Elmendorf Airmen: the F-22 Raptor. "Would we like to have additional F-22s, of course," said General Schwartz. "We have said 243 is the ideal fleet size given the things we see in... (DOD DefenseLINK)
Dems sweating small stuff... Jul 10, 2009
As he sits in the cockpit of an F-22 Raptor, Defense Secretary Robert Gates receives a familiarization briefing at Langley Air Force Base. Photo: Courtesy. (The Drudge Report)
Australia's first new Super Hornet Jul 10, 2009
Boeing Super Hornet program manager Mike Gibbons says this aircraft ranks with JSF and the F-22 Raptor as the world's premier combat aircraft. It is hard to see, hard to hit and hard to kill, he told reporters. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Technology)
Launch date uncertain for NASA's next moon rocket Jul 10, 2009
First he cancels the F-22 Raptor program, and now he's "investigating" whether or not NASA ought to completely give up on manned space travel. What the hell is the point of having NASA then. (Florida Today)
3What Breaking the Sound Barrier Looks Like» Jul 5, 2009
June 22: A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor creates a visible shock wave as it passes over the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis in the Gulf of Alaska. June 22: A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor creates a visible shock wave as it passes over the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis in the Gulf of Alaska ... This widely circulated new photo shows an Air Force F-22 Raptor aircraft participating in an exercise in the Gulf of Alaska June 22, 2009 as it executes a supersonic flyby over the flight deck of the... (Fox News)
Japan Jul 5, 2009
Japan is watching closely United States President Barack Obama's decision on whether or not to continue building the expensive F-22 Raptor. Tokyo has long coveted the aircraft, considered the most advanced fighter in the world, and it has the money. (Asia Times Online)
Small firm cashing in on big business assist Jul 3, 2009
M2 Global also has been a small-business supplier for Lockheed Martin s F-16 Fighting Falcon and F-22 Raptor aircraft programs since 2006. M2 Global Technology Ltd. is a service-disabled, veteran-owned engineering and contract manufacturer of satellite, microwave, TV broadcast, and radio subsystems. (San Antonio Business Journal, TX)
AETC force reductions impact Arizona and Florida Jun 30, 2009
The F-15 and F-16 are fourth generation aircraft being replaced by the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. The AETC is headquartered at Randolph AFB in San Antonio. (San Antonio Business Journal, TX)
What others say: Hard to make case for F-22 funding Jun 28, 2009
An Air Force F-22 Raptor executes a supersonic flyby Monday over the flight deck of the USS John C. Stennis in the Gulf of Alaska. It would be interesting, and probably entertaining, to have a few choice words from a late general and president named Dwight D. Eisenhower concerning the flap in Congress over funding of the F-22. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Supersonic flight Jun 27, 2009
This image provided by the U.S. Navy shows an Air Force F-22 Raptor executing a supersonic flyby over the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis Monday June 22, 2009 in the Gulf of Alaska. 1 of 41. (Anchorage Daily News)
Fishermen report increase in shark encounters off Peninsula Jun 25, 2009
" FISHERMEN FIND UNUSUAL NUMBER OF SHARKS OFF LOWER PENINSULA : Lower Cook Inlet fisherman have long had occasional encounters with . But this summer, they say, encounters have been surprisingly common. And the sharks are trying to steal charter-caught fish. Fisherman Gary Deiman says that, in a usual year, he would expect to hear of a couple salmon shark landings over an entire summer. But this year he estimates there have already been three salmon sharks landed and another eight to 10... (Anchorage Daily News)
Six Transformers that could use an upgrade Jun 24, 2009
DreamworksStarscream once flew as an F-15 Eagle, and has since reincarnated as an F-22 Raptor for the new Transformer movies ... The scheming Decepticon once flew as an F-15 Eagle, and has since reincarnated as an F-22 Raptor for the new Transformer movies. (MSNBC -- Movies)
Saving The Raptor Jun 23, 2009
Defense: By a narrow margin, a House subcommittee has voted to keep open the F-22 Raptor production line ... On May 30, with North Korea huffing and puffing about nuclear war, the first of 12 high-tech U.S. F-22 Raptor fighter jets landed at Kadena Air Base on the southern Japanese island of Okinawa ... The Air Force's original plans were for 750 F-22 Raptors to replace an aging F-15 Eagle fleet that was recently grounded after one disintegrated from old age in flight. (Investors Business Daily)
A Real Jobs Solution Jun 23, 2009
Defense: By a narrow margin, a House subcommittee has voted to keep open the F-22 Raptor production line. The future of American air dominance and the fate of the world's most capable fighter hang in the balance. (Investors Business Daily)
Nuclear Nightmare Jun 23, 2009
" So says Mustafa Abu al-Yazid, al-Qaida's top commander in Afghanistan, where the terror group has found a friend and ally in the Taliban. If you think 9/11 was bad, just wait until al-Qaida gets a nuke, which is not as far-fetched as it sounds. Based both in Afghanistan and Pakistan's untamed northwest frontier, al-Qaida in April launched a major offensive into Pakistan's Swat Valley, engaging in fierce fighting with Pakistani army forces. Swat is just 60 miles from Pakistan's capital of... (Investors Business Daily)
Support grows for building more Raptors Jun 20, 2009
The F-22 Raptor could continue to roll off the assembly line in Marietta if support continues to grow in Congress for more of the fighter jets. The House Armed Services Committee authorized $369 million earlier this week to pay for the initial production of another dozen of the stealth fighters. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Metro)
US needs more F-22 fighters than Gates wants, says an Air Force commander Jun 19, 2009
A US Air Force F- 22 Raptor prepares to take off at Kadena US Air Force Base on Japan's southwestern island of Okinawa Tuesday. The aircraft based in Langley, Virginia are being deployed in the region for four months. (Christian Science Monitor -- USA)
Lockheed's F-35 `Program Killer' Buoys Fighter-Jet Sales Over Boeing, Saab Jun 18, 2009
The F-35 is one of two 5th Generation Fighters designed by Lockheed, along with the F-22 Raptor, that incorporate stealth technology with the latest avionics and improved combat performance over older jets. Because the more advanced F-22, which is also capable of high-altitude supercruise flight, is banned by U.S. law from export, only the F-35 is available for sale to allies. (Bloomberg)
Airmen Complete Unmanned Aircraft Systems Course Jun 17, 2009
" Unmanned systems are a high-value asset, providing joint forces commanders with the right mix of combat capabilities while offering flexible solutions to battlefield needs, according to senior Air Force leaders. These systems include the MQ-1 Predator, MQ-9 Reaper and the RQ-4 Global Hawk. The primary mission of the unmanned systems is to provide intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance support to joint commanders; however, because of the MQ-1 Predator's and MQ-9 Reaper's ability to carry... (DOD DefenseLINK)
Qatar Airways orders Airbus jets Jun 16, 2009
The Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor fighter jet was dropped from an expected flying display at the airshow, a decision which the manufacturer said the US Air Force had taken based on availability. This years Paris Air Show is expected to fall far short of the clamour of orders at the biennial event two years ago when Airbus and Boeing took their order backlogs to record levels. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Thunder's roar 'awesome,' 'sweet' (1188) Jun 1, 2009
Thousands of people flocked to the first of a two-day event featuring more than 100 local and regional private planes, as well as appearances by the Thunderbirds, U.S. Army special operations Black Daggers jump team, the F-22 Raptor, B-25 Mitchell and the F-16 Fighting Falcon. "It was awesome," Connie Hoffman said about the Thunderbirds show. (Rapid City Journal, SD)
Feel the Thunder, not the firepower May 30, 2009
Attractions at the event include the Thunderbirds, U.S. Army special operations jump team the "Black Daggers," F-22 Raptor, B-25 Mitchell, F-16 Fighting Falcon and more than 100 local and regional aircraft that will either take to the skies or be on the ground for close-up viewing. The Air Force Thunderbirds, known for more than 30 signature air formations that feature the capabilities of the F-16 -- which includes flying at twice the speed of sound, or 1,200 miles an hour -- will perform at 3... (Rapid City Journal, SD)
Defense jobs: Recession-resistant no more? May 28, 2009
Two U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor aircrafton a training mission off the coast of Florida. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Monday, April 6, thatthe Pentagon will end the F-22 fighter jet program. (MSNBC -- Terrorism)
Economy tests Lockheed, Marietta pairing May 24, 2009
The Defense Department s recent decision to discontinue building the F-22 Raptor in Marietta was hardly good news, but Marietta took it in stride ... Then there is the loud and rowdy youngster, the F-22 Raptor, whose production is scheduled to end in 2012. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
The Left's Tone Deafness On Global Risk May 21, 2009
The F-22 raptor is superior to anything anybody else has at the present time. It is not a matter of matching other powers one on one. (CBS News)
With Obama Weapons Cuts Come Risks to U.S. May 20, 2009
Then there is the issue of the F-22 Raptor, the most advanced fighter aircraft ever developed by the Air Force ... I ve said all along that we need 381 F-22 Raptors, Moseley told Air Force Times before his ouster. (Human Events Online)
