Lockheed Martin F-22A Raptor, 422nd TES “Mirror Coating” 2021, 1:72 Scale Diecast Model

Air Power Series Highly detailed realistic collectible model Diecast & plastic parts Display stand included. Measures 10.25” L x 7.25” Wingspan Display model, recommended for hobbyists and collectors 14 years and above. The Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor is a fifth-generation, single-seat, twin-engine, all-weather stealth tactical fighter aircraft developed for the United States Air Force (USAF). The result of the USAF's Advanced Tactical Fighter program, the aircraft was designed primarily as an air superiority fighter, but also has ground attack, electronic warfare, and signal intelligence capabilities. The prime contractor, Lockheed Martin, built most of the F-22's airframe and weapons systems and conducted final assembly, while Boeing provided the wings, aft fuselage, avionics integration, and training systems. F-22A 04-4065 was delivered in 2006 and is the first of two aircraft belonging to the 422 Test and Evaluation Squadron (TES) that have been seen wearing a special mirror-like finish. The coating on the first aircraft appears to be comprised of larger mirror tiles than the second aircraft. The first sighting of 04-4065 took place on November 19, 2021 at Nellis AFB and the second, 04-4070 on March 17, 2022. As to the purpose of this new covering, there is only speculation at this point. Stealth? This highly detailed Hobby Master model represents an F-22A (Bureau Number 04-4065) from the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron (TES) based at Nellis Air Force Base November 2021.   The model is representative of the aircraft wearing a special “mirror-like” finish. Great care should be taken when handling this model.  This is a great addition to your diecast aircraft collection. Specifications : First flight: September 7, 1997 Planned Production: 750 aircraft initial program objective Altered plan in 1990: 648 aircraft Altered plan in 1994: 442 aircraft In 1997 Department of Defense report: 339 aircraft In 2006 the Pentagon wanted -183 aircraft: 2008 approval for 4 additional aircraft bringing the total to 187 Number built as of August 2009: 145 Role: Air superiority fighter Crew: (1) pilot Performance Engines: (2) Pratt & Whitney F119-PW-100 engines producing 35,000 lbst of thrust Speed: Mach 1.8 (super cruise: Mach 1.5) G Limit: +9 G Ceiling: 60,000 ft (18,290 m) The F-22 and other fighters can reach this altitude, but only the F-22 can perform tactical maneuvers at this level. Dimensions Length: 62.08 ft (18.90 m) Height: 16.67 ft (5.08 m) Wingspan: 44.5 ft (13.56 m) Wing Area: 840 sq ft (78.04 sq m) Horizontal Tail-span: 29 ft (8.84 m) Weights Empty Weight: 31,670 lb (14,365 kg) Maximum Takeoff Weight: 60,000 lb (27,000 kg) Armament: Internal: (1) 20mm Cannon (4) AIM-9 Sidewinders (side weapon bays) (4) AIM-120A AMRAAM (internal ventral bay) (6) AIM-120Cs (internal ventral bay) (6) GBU-32 JDAM PGMs (internal ventral bay) (8) GBU-39 Small Diameter Bombs (250lbs ea) External: (4) under-wing hard-points with a maximum of 5,000lbs (2,270kg) of mission-specific weaponry or fuel drop-tanks.