Editing Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor (section)

==Development==
===Origins===
{{main|Advanced Tactical Fighter|Lockheed YF-22}}
[[File:Advanced Tactical Fighter Systems Project Office Patch.jpg|thumb|ATF SPO Patch, 1990]]

The F-22 originated from the [[Advanced Tactical Fighter]] (ATF) program that the U.S. Air Force (USAF) initiated in 1981 to replace the [[McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle|F-15 Eagle]] and [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon|F-16 Fighting Falcon]]. Intelligence reports indicated that their effectiveness would be eroded by emerging worldwide threats emanating from the [[Soviet Union]], including new developments in surface-to-air missile systems for integrated air defense networks, the introduction of the [[Beriev A-50]] "Mainstay" airborne warning and control system (AWACS), and the proliferation of the [[Sukhoi Su-27]] "Flanker" and [[Mikoyan MiG-29]] "Fulcrum" class of fighter aircraft.<ref>Jenkins, Dennis R. ''Lockheed Secret Projects: Inside the Skunk Works.'' St. Paul, Minnesota: MBI Publishing Company, 2001. {{ISBN|0-7603-0914-0}}. pp.&nbsp;70.</ref> Code-named "''Senior Sky''", the ATF would become an air superiority fighter program influenced by these threats; in the potential scenario of a Soviet and [[Warsaw Pact]] invasion in [[Central Europe]], the ATF was envisaged to support the [[AirLand Battle|air-land battle]] by spearheading [[offensive counter air|offensive]] and defensive counter-air operations (OCA/DCA) in this highly contested environment that would then enable following echelons of NATO strike and attack aircraft to perform [[air interdiction]] against ground formations; to do so, the ATF would make an ambitious leap in capability and survivability by taking advantage of the new technologies in fighter design on the horizon, including [[composite material]]s, lightweight [[alloy]]s, advanced flight control systems and avionics, more powerful propulsion systems for supersonic cruise (or [[supercruise]]) around Mach 1.5, and stealth technology for low observability.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit/Museum-Exhibits/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/196040/lockheed-martin-f-22a-raptor/ |title=Lockheed Martin F-22A Raptor |work=National Museum of the U.S. Air Force}}</ref><ref>Pace 1999, pp. 3–4.</ref><ref>Aronstein and Hirschberg 1998, pp. 51-54, 72.</ref>

The USAF published an ATF [[request for information]] (RFI) to the aerospace industry in May 1981, and following a period of concept and specification development, the ATF System Program Office (SPO) issued the demonstration and validation (Dem/Val) [[request for proposal]]s (RFP) in September 1985, with requirements placing strong emphasis on stealth, supersonic cruise and maneuver. The RFP saw some alterations after its initial release, including more stringent signature reduction requirements in December 1985 and the addition of the requirement for flying technology demonstrator prototypes in May 1986.{{refn|The greatly increased stealth requirements arose from the SPO's discussions with Lockheed and Northrop, the two companies with prior stealth experience from the "''Senior Trend''"/[[Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk|F-117]] and "''Senior Ice''"/[[Northrop B-2 Spirit|B-2]] respectively.<ref>Aronstein and Hirschberg 1998, pp. 56–57.</ref>|group=N}}<ref>Aronstein and Hirschberg 1998, pp. 82–89.</ref> Owing to the immense investments required to develop the advanced technologies, teaming among companies was encouraged. Of the seven bidding companies,{{refn|The seven bidding companies for Dem/Val were Lockheed, Northrop, General Dynamics, Boeing, McDonnell Douglas, [[Grumman]], and [[Rockwell International|North American Rockwell]].<ref>Miller 2005, pp. 14, 19.</ref>|group=N}} [[Lockheed Corporation|Lockheed]] and [[Northrop Corporation|Northrop]] were selected on 31 October 1986.{{refn|Lockheed's design had considerable variations throughout concept exploration, ranging from [[Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird|SR-71]]/[[Lockheed YF-12|YF-12]]-like, to faceted designs similar to the F-117, to a curved surface design with an arrowhead-like planform as the company became able to design stealthy shapes with curved surfaces.<ref name="f22_evolution_p1">{{cite web |last=Hehs |first=Eric |url=https://www.codeonemagazine.com/article.html?item_id=179 |title=F-22 Raptor Design Evolution, Part 1 |work=Lockheed Martin |date=1998 |access-date=13 March 2023 |archive-date=16 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220116193649/https://www.codeonemagazine.com/article.html?item_id=179 |url-status=live}}</ref>|group=N}} Lockheed, through its [[Skunk Works]] division at [[Burbank, California]], teamed with [[Boeing]] and [[General Dynamics]] while Northrop teamed with [[McDonnell Douglas]]. These two contractor teams undertook a 50-month Dem/Val phase, culminating in the flight test of two technology demonstrator prototypes, the [[Lockheed YF-22]] and [[Northrop YF-23]]; while they represented competing designs, the prototypes were meant for demonstrating concept viability and risk mitigation rather than a competitive flyoff.{{refn|The contractor teams were to give the SPO "sealed envelope" flight performance predictions against which their prototypes would be evaluated, rather than against each other.<ref>Aronstein and Hirschberg 1998, p. 137.</ref>|group=N}} Concurrently, [[Pratt & Whitney]] and [[General Electric]] competed for the ATF engines.<ref>Jenkins and Landis 2008, pp.&nbsp;233–234.</ref><ref>Williams 2002, pp.&nbsp;5–6.</ref>

[[File:F-22 design evolution 595 to 645 200x592.png|thumb|upright=0.66|Evolution of the F-22 design from 1987, with the bottom being the production configuration.]]
Dem/Val was focused on [[system engineering]], technology development plans, and risk reduction over point aircraft designs; in fact, after down-select, the Lockheed team completely redesigned the airframe configuration in summer 1987 due to weight analysis, with notable changes including the [[Wing configuration#Wing planform|wing planform]] from swept trapezoidal to diamond-like delta and a reduction in forebody planform area.<ref>Aronstein and Hirschberg 1998, p. 119.</ref><ref>Mullin 2019.</ref> The team extensively used analytical and empirical methods including [[computational fluid dynamics]] and [[computer-aided design]], [[wind tunnel]] testing (18,000 hours for Dem/Val), and [[radar cross-section]] (RCS) calculations and pole testing. Avionics were tested in ground prototypes and flying laboratories.<ref>Aronstein and Hirschberg 1998, pp. 104–125.</ref> During Dem/Val, the SPO used [[trade study|trade studies]] from both teams to review the ATF system specifications and adjust or delete requirements that were significant weight and cost drivers while having marginal value. The short takeoff and landing ([[STOL]]) requirement was relaxed to delete [[thrust reversal|thrust-reversers]], saving substantial weight. [[Side looking airborne radar|Side looking radar]]s and the dedicated [[infrared search and track]] (IRST) system were eventually removed as well, although space and cooling provisions were retained to allow for their later addition. The [[ejection seat]] was downgraded from a fresh design to the existing [[ACES II]]. Despite efforts by both teams to rein in weight, the takeoff gross weight estimates grew from {{convert|50000|to|60000|lb|kg|sigfig=3|abbr=on}}, resulting in engine thrust requirement increasing from {{convert|30000|to|35000|lbf|kN|0|abbr=on}} class.<ref>Aronstein and Hirschberg 1998, pp. 105–108.</ref>

Each team built two prototype air vehicles for Dem/Val, one for each engine option. The YF-22 had its maiden flight on 29 September 1990 and, in testing, successfully demonstrated supercruise, high angle-of-attack maneuvers, and the firing of air-to-air missiles from internal weapons bays. After the flight test of the demonstrator prototypes at [[Edwards Air Force Base]], the teams submitted the results and their full-scale development design proposals – or Preferred System Concept – in December 1990; on 23 April 1991, the [[United States Secretary of the Air Force|Secretary of the USAF]], [[Donald Rice]], announced the Lockheed team and Pratt & Whitney as the winners of the ATF and engine competitions.<ref>Jenkins and Landis 2008, p.&nbsp;234.</ref> Both designs met or exceeded all performance requirements; the YF-23 was considered stealthier and faster, but the YF-22, with its thrust vectoring nozzles, was more maneuverable as well as less expensive and risky, having flown considerably more test sorties and hours than its counterpart.<ref name="Goodall_p110">Goodall 1992, p.&nbsp;110.</ref><ref>Aronstein and Hirschberg 1998, pp. 159–160.</ref> The press also speculated that the Lockheed team's design was more adaptable to the Navy Advanced Tactical Fighter (NATF) for replacing the [[Grumman F-14 Tomcat|F-14 Tomcat]], but by fiscal year (FY) 1992, the [[United States Navy|U.S. Navy]] had abandoned NATF due to cost.<ref name=Miller_p76>Miller 2005, p. 76.</ref>

===Full-scale development===
The program formally moved to full-scale development, or [[Manufacturing readiness level#Definitions|Engineering & Manufacturing Development]] (EMD), in August 1991. The production F-22 design (internally designated Configuration 645) had also evolved to have notable differences from the YF-22, which was immature due to being frozen relatively soon after the complete redesign in the summer of 1987.{{refn|The YF-22 outer lines were frozen to allow construction to begin in 1988, resulting in the shaping being rather unrefined, especially compared to the YF-23.<ref name="f22_evolution_p2"/>|group=N}} While the overall layout was similar, the external geometry saw significant alterations; the wing's [[leading edge]] sweep angle was decreased from 48° to 42°, while the vertical stabilizers were shifted rearward and decreased in area by 20%.<ref name="NASA">{{cite web |url=http://oea.larc.nasa.gov/PAIS/Partners/F_22.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040118030146/http://oea.larc.nasa.gov/PAIS/Partners/F_22.html |archive-date=18 January 2004 |title=F-22 Partners |work=NASA |access-date=25 July 2009}}</ref> The radome shape was changed for better radar performance, the wingtips were clipped for antennas, and the dedicated airbrake was eliminated. To improve pilot visibility and aerodynamics, the canopy was moved forward {{convert|7|in|cm}} and the engine inlets moved rearward {{convert|14|in|cm}}. The shapes of the fuselage, wing, and [[stabilator]] trailing edges were refined to improve aerodynamics, strength, and stealth characteristics. The internal structural design was refined and reinforced, with the production airframe designed for a service life of 8,000 hours.<ref name="f22_evolution_p2">{{cite web |last=Hehs |first=Eric |url=https://www.codeonemagazine.com/article.html?item_id=180 |title=F-22 Raptor Design Evolution, Part 2 |publisher=Lockheed Martin |date=16 October 1998 |access-date=13 March 2023 |archive-date=19 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221219185803/https://www.codeonemagazine.com/article.html?item_id=180 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>Pace 1999, pp. 12–13.</ref> The revised shaping was validated with over 17,000 additional hours of wind tunnel testing and further RCS testing at [[Helendale, California]] and the USAF [[National Radar Cross-section Facility|RATSCAT range]] before the first flight. Increasing weight during EMD due to demanding ballistic survivability requirements and [[Scope creep|added capabilities]] caused slight reductions in projected range and maneuver performance.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/f-22-weight-increase-agreed-26820/ |title=F-22 weight increase agreed |magazine=Flight International |date=3 May 1995 |publisher=Reed Business Information |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140112043443/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/f-22-weight-increase-agreed-26820/ |archive-date=12 January 2014}}</ref>

[[File:F-22-flying-alongside-the-FTB.jpg|thumb|An EMD F-22 alongside the Flying Test Bed]]
Aside from advances in air vehicle and propulsion technology, the F-22's avionics were unprecedented in complexity and scale for a combat aircraft, with the integration of multiple sensors systems and antennas, including electronic warfare, communication/navigation/identification (CNI), and software of 1.7&nbsp;million [[Source lines of code|lines of code]] written in [[Ada (programming language)|Ada]]. Avionics often became the pacing factor of the whole program. In light of rapidly advancing computing and semiconductor technology, the avionics was to employ the [[United States Department of Defense|Department of Defense]]'s (DoD) ''[[PAVE|PAVE PILLAR]]'' systems architecture and [[Very High Speed Integrated Circuit Program|Very High Speed Integrated Circuit]] (VHSIC) program technology; the computing and processing requirements were equivalent to multiple contemporary [[Cray#Cray Research Inc. and Cray Computer Corporation: 1972–1996|Cray]] supercomputers to achieve [[sensor fusion]].<ref>Aronstein and Hirschberg 1998, p. 170.</ref><ref name="B3.0SW">[http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/docs/man-ac-f22-010105.htm "F-22 aircraft No. 4005 completes successful first flight"]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170629121402/https://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/docs/man-ac-f22-010105.htm |date=29 June 2017}}. [[Federation of American Scientists]]. Retrieved 23 July 2009.</ref> To enable early looks and troubleshooting for mission software development, the software was ground-tested in Boeing's Avionics Integration Laboratory (AIL) and flight-tested on a [[Boeing 757#Government, military, and corporate|Boeing 757]] modified with F-22 avionics and sensors, called Flying Test Bed (FTB).<ref name="f22_flight_test_update"/><ref>{{cite web |last=Norris |first=Guy |url=https://aviationweek.com/boeing-readies-f-22-flying-lab-tests |title=Boeing Readies F-22 Flying Lab for Tests |date=9 June 2008 |work=Aviation Week & Space Technology}}</ref> Because much of the F-22's avionics design occurred in the 1990s as the electronics industry was shifting from military to commercial applications as the predominant market, avionics upgrade efforts was initially difficult and protracted due to changing industry standards; for instance, [[C (programming language)|C]]/[[C++]] rather than [[Ada (programming language)|Ada]] became predominant programming languages.<ref name="raptorroadmap2019"/>

[[File:F-22 Raptor wytwórnie.png|thumb|left|Manufacturers of the F-22]]
The roughly equal division of work amongst the team largely carried through from Dem/Val to EMD, with prime contractor Lockheed responsible for the forward fuselage and control surfaces, General Dynamics for the center fuselage, and Boeing for aft fuselage and wings. Lockheed [[General Dynamics#Divestitures|acquired General Dynamics]]' fighter portfolio at [[Fort Worth, Texas]] in 1993 and thus had the majority of the airframe manufacturing, and merged with [[Martin Marietta]] in 1995 to form [[Lockheed Martin]]. While Lockheed primarily performed Dem/Val work at its Skunk Works sites in Burbank and Palmdale, [[California]], it shifted its program office and EMD work from Burbank to [[Marietta, Georgia]], where it performed final assembly; [[Boeing Defense, Space & Security|Boeing]] manufactured airframe components, performed avionics integration and developed the training systems in [[Seattle, Washington]]. The EMD contract originally ordered seven single-seat F-22As and two twin-seat F-22Bs, although the latter was canceled in 1996 to reduce development costs and the orders were converted to single seaters.<ref>Aronstein and Hirschberg 1998, p. 118.</ref> The first F-22A, an EMD aircraft with [[United States military aircraft serial numbers|tail number]] 91-4001, was unveiled at [[United States Air Force Plant 6|Air Force Plant 6]] in [[Dobbins Air Reserve Base]] in Marietta on 9 April 1997 where it was officially named "Raptor".{{refn|The YF-22 was originally given the unofficial name "Lightning II", from the World War II [[Lockheed P-38 Lightning]] fighter which persisted until the mid-1990s, when the USAF officially named the F-22 "Raptor". The aircraft was also briefly dubbed "SuperStar" and "Rapier".<ref>[http://www.aerospaceweb.org/question/history/q0221.shtml "Military Aircraft Names."] {{Webarchive|url=http://arquivo.pt/wayback/20091012134155/http://www.aerospaceweb.org/question/history/q0221.shtml |date=12 October 2009}} ''Aerospaceweb.org.'' Retrieved: 26 September 2010. {{unreliable source|date=February 2024}}</ref>|group=N}} The aircraft first flew on 7 September 1997, piloted by chief test pilot Alfred "Paul" Metz.{{refn|Metz was previously the chief test pilot for the YF-23.|group=N}}<ref name=F-22_chrono>[http://www.f22-raptor.com/about/chronology.html "Chronology of the F-22 Program"]. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080307071916/http://www.f22-raptor.com/about/chronology.html |date=7 March 2008}} ''F-22 Team'', 4 November 2012. Retrieved 23 July 2009.</ref><ref>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140705075752/http://lockheedmartin.com/us/100years/stories/f-22.html |archive-date=2014-07-05 |title=F-22 Raptor |publisher=Lockheed Martin |url=http://www.lockheedmartin.com/us/100years/stories/f-22.html |url-status=dead |date=1 July 2014}}</ref> The Raptor's designation was briefly changed to F/A-22 starting in September 2002, mimicking the Navy's [[McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet|F/A-18 Hornet]] and intended to highlight a planned ground-attack capability amid debate over the aircraft's role and relevance. The F-22 designation was reinstated in December 2005, when the aircraft entered service.<ref name="f22_factsheet"/><ref name="afp_20051205">"U.S. to Declare F-22 Fighter Operational". [[Agence France-Presse]], 15 December 2005.</ref>

[[File:Usaf.kc135.750pix.jpg|thumb|An EMD F-22 refuels from a [[KC-135 Stratotanker|KC-135]] during testing; the attachment on the back top is for a spin recovery chute.|alt=Rear/starboard view of aerial refueling tanker transferring fuel to a jet fighter via a long boom. The two aircraft are slightly banking left.]]
The F-22 flight test program consisted of flight sciences, developmental test (DT), and initial operational test and evaluation (IOT&E) by the [[411th Flight Test Squadron]] (FLTS) at Edwards AFB, California, as well as follow-on OT&E and development of tactics and operational employment by the [[422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron]] (TES) at [[Nellis Air Force Base|Nellis AFB]], [[Nevada]]. Nine EMD jets assigned to the 411th FLTS would participate in the test program under the Combined Test Force (CTF) at Edwards. The first two aircraft conducted envelope expansion testing, such as flying qualities, air vehicle performance, propulsion, and stores separation. The third aircraft, the first to have production-level internal structure, tested flight loads, flutter, and stores separation, while two non-flying F-22s were built for testing static loads and fatigue. Subsequent EMD aircraft and the Boeing 757 FTB tested avionics, environmental qualifications, and observables, with the first combat-capable Block 3.0 software flying in 2001.<ref name="f22_b3.0">{{cite web |url=https://aviationweek.com/f-22-program-completes-program-milestone-first-flight-block-30-software |title=F-22 program completes program milestone in first flight of Block 3.0 software |work=Aviation Week |date=8 January 2001 |access-date=13 March 2023 |archive-date=22 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221222004312/https://aviationweek.com/f-22-program-completes-program-milestone-first-flight-block-30-software |url-status=live}}</ref> Air vehicle testing resulted in several structural design modifications and retrofits for earlier lots, including tail fin strengthening to resolve buffeting in certain conditions.<ref name=availability_63%/> Raptor 4001 was retired from flight testing in 2000 and subsequently sent to Wright-Patterson AFB for survivability testing, including live fire testing and battle damage repair training.<ref name=f22milestones>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.codeonemagazine.com/gallery_slideshow.html?fa44c7e5ba83d833e4ac50ea5bc58dd6=2&gallery_id=129&gallery_style=3 |title=F-22 Milestones – Part 2 |magazine=Code One Magazine |access-date=16 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111122653/http://www.codeonemagazine.com/gallery_slideshow.html?fa44c7e5ba83d833e4ac50ea5bc58dd6=2&gallery_id=129&gallery_style=3 |archive-date=11 November 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> Other retired EMD F-22s have been used as maintenance trainers.<ref name="3.2A_test">{{cite web |last=Majumdar |first=Dave |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/the-dewline/2013/05/raptor-4007-starts-testing-inc/ |title=Raptor 4007 starts testing Inc 3.2A upgrade on its 1000th sortie |work=FlightGlobal |date=7 May 2013 |access-date=16 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111120715/http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/the-dewline/2013/05/raptor-4007-starts-testing-inc/ |archive-date=11 November 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:F-22 CRIIS Edwards.png|thumb|left|An EMD F-22 of the 411th FLTS flies over Edwards AFB, California, in 2018.]]
Because the F-22 had been designed to defeat contemporary and projected Soviet fighters, the end of the [[Cold War (1985-1991)|Cold War]] and the [[dissolution of the Soviet Union]] in 1991 had major impacts on program funding; the DoD reduced its urgency for new weapon systems and the following years would see successive reductions in its budget. This resulted in the F-22's EMD being rescheduled and lengthened multiple times. Furthermore, the aircraft's sophistication and numerous technological innovations required extensive testing, which exacerbated the cost overruns and delays, especially from mission avionics. Some capabilities were also deferred to post-service upgrades, reducing the upfront cost but increasing total program cost.<ref>{{cite news |last=Sweetman |first=Bill |url=http://aviationweek.com/awin/rivals-target-jsf |title=Rivals Target JSF |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160819135759/http://aviationweek.com/awin/rivals-target-jsf |archive-date=19 August 2016 |work=Aviation Week |publisher=McGraw Hill |date=30 November 2010 |access-date=31 August 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite report |last1=Younossi |first1=Obaid |last2=Stem |first2=David E. |last3=Lorell |first3=Mark A. |last4=Lussier |first4=Frances M. |url=http://www.rand.org/pubs/monographs/MG276.html |title=Lessons Learned from the F/A–22 and F/A–18E/F Development Programs |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110425192042/http://www.rand.org/pubs/monographs/MG276.html |archive-date=25 April 2011 |publisher=Rand Corporation |year=2005 |access-date=27 August 2011}}</ref> The program transitioned to full-rate production in March 2005 and completed EMD that December, after which the test force had flown 3,496 sorties for over 7,600 flight hours.<ref name=f22milestones/> As the F-22 was designed for upgrades throughout its lifecycle, the 411th FLTS and 422nd TES continued the DT/OT&E and tactics development of these upgrades.<ref name="3.2A_test"/> Derivatives such as the [[Lockheed Martin X-44 MANTA|X-44]] thrust vectoring research aircraft and the [[Lockheed Martin FB-22|FB-22]] medium-range regional bomber were proposed in the late 1990s and early 2000s, although these were eventually abandoned. In 2006, the F-22 development team won the [[Collier Trophy]], American aviation's most prestigious award.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://naa.aero/userfiles/files/documents/Press%20Releases/Collier%202006%20PR.pdf |title=F-22 Raptor Wins 2006 Collier Trophy |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160401091019/https://naa.aero/userfiles/files/documents/press%20releases/collier%202006%20pr.pdf |archive-date=1 April 2016 |work=National Aeronautic Association |access-date=23 July 2009}}</ref> Due to the aircraft's sophisticated capabilities, contractors have been targeted by cyberattacks and technology theft.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Minnick |first=Wendell |url=https://www.defensenews.com/breaking-news/2016/03/24/chinese-businessman-pleads-guilty-of-spying-on-f-35-and-f-22/ |title=Chinese Businessman Pleads Guilty of Spying on F-35 and F-22 |work=Defense News |date=24 March 2016 |access-date=9 April 2019 |archive-date=13 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313155355/https://www.defensenews.com/breaking-news/2016/03/24/chinese-businessman-pleads-guilty-of-spying-on-f-35-and-f-22/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

===Production and procurement===
The USAF originally envisioned ordering 750 ATFs at a total program cost of $44.3&nbsp;billion and procurement cost of $26.2&nbsp;billion in FY 1985 dollars, with production beginning in 1994 and service entry in the mid-to-late 1990s. The 1990 Major Aircraft Review (MAR) led by [[United States Secretary of Defense|Secretary of Defense]] [[Dick Cheney]] reduced this to 648 aircraft beginning in 1996 and service entry in the early-to-mid 2000s. After the end of the Cold War, this was further curtailed to 442 in the 1993 Bottom-Up Review while the USAF eventually set its requirement to 381 to support its [[Air Expeditionary Force]] structure with the last deliveries in 2013. Throughout development and production, the program was continually scrutinized for its costs and less expensive alternatives such as modernized F-15 or F-16 variants were being proposed, even though the USAF considered the F-22 to provide the greatest capability increase against peer adversaries for the investment.<ref>Aronstein and Hirschberg 1998, pp. 246–256.</ref> However, funding instability had reduced the total to 339 by 1997 and production was nearly halted by [[United States Congress|Congress]] in 1999.{{refn|group=N|Another reason other than funding issues, the F-22’s superior combat capability, has been attributed to cuts to F-22 purchases. In 1997, Defense Secretary [[William Cohen]], for example, cited this as a reason for that year's Quadrennial Defense Review’s (QDR) proposed reduction to 341 aircraft.{{sfn|Bolkcom|2007|p=8}}}} Although funds were eventually restored, the planned number continued to decline due to delays and cost overruns during EMD, slipping to 277 by 2003.<ref>{{cite web |last=Wilson |first=George |url=https://www.govexec.com/federal-news/1999/09/senate-proposes-deal-to-continue-f-22-funding/4463/ |title=Senate proposes deal to continue F-22 funding |work=Government Executive |date=23 September 1999}}</ref><ref name="Williams p.22">{{harvnb|Williams|2002|p=22.}}</ref> In 2004, with its focus on asymmetric [[counterinsurgency]] warfare in [[Iraq War|Iraq]] and [[War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)|Afghanistan]], the DoD under Secretary [[Donald Rumsfeld]] further cut procurement to 183 production aircraft, despite the USAF's requirement for 381;<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Grant |first=Rebecca |url=https://secure.afa.org/Mitchell/presentations/091608LosingAirDominance_tnx.pdf |title=Losing Air Dominance |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002211600/https://secure.afa.org/Mitchell/Presentations/091608LosingAirDominance_tnx.pdf |archive-date=2 October 2013 |magazine=Air Force Magazine |date=December 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Hedgpeth |first=Dana |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/17/AR2009021703172.html |title=Air Force Pares Request for Additional Lockheed F-22s |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170703115719/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/17/AR2009021703172.html |archive-date=3 July 2017 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=18 February 2009}}</ref> funding for this number was reached by a multi-year procurement contract awarded in 2006, with aircraft distributed to seven combat squadrons; total program cost was projected to be $62&nbsp;billion (equivalent to approximately ${{Format price|{{Inflation|index=US-GDP|value=62000000000|start_year=2006}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}).<ref name="afpn_20060623_ad">{{cite web |last=Lopez |first=C. T. |url=https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/130616/f-22-excels-at-establishing-air-dominance/ |title=F-22 excels at establishing air dominance |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160425023455/http://www.af.mil/News/ArticleDisplay/tabid/223/Article/130616/f-22-excels-at-establishing-air-dominance.aspx |archive-date=25 April 2016 |work=U.S. Air Force |url-status=live |date=23 June 2006}}</ref> In 2008, the Congressional defense spending bill raised the number to 187.<ref>{{cite web |last=Trimble |first=Stephen |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/us-congress-passes-4877-defence-spending-bill-slashes-aircraft-316459/ |title=US Congress passes $487.7 defence spending bill, slashes aircraft |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130419133412/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/us-congress-passes-4877-defence-spending-bill-slashes-aircraft-316459/ |archive-date=19 April 2013 |work=FlightGlobal |date=24 September 2008 |access-date=10 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Wolf |first=Jim |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-lockheed-raptor-idUSTRE4AB8ZV20081112 |title=Pentagon OKs funds to preserve F-22 line |work=Reuters |date=12 November 2008 |access-date=27 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019012554/http://www.reuters.com/article/2008/11/12/us-lockheed-raptor-idUSTRE4AB8ZV20081112 |archive-date=19 October 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref>

F-22 production would support over 1,000 subcontractors and suppliers from 46 states and up to 95,000 jobs, and spanned 15 years at a peak rate of roughly two airplanes per month, about half of the initially planned rate from the 1990 MAR; after EMD aircraft contracts, the first production lot was awarded in September 2000.<ref>{{cite web |last=Kaplan |first=Fred |url=http://www.slate.com/id/2212034/ |title=The Air Force tries to save a fighter plane that's never seen battle |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101021155541/http://www.slate.com/id/2212034/ |archive-date=21 October 2010 |work=Slate |date=24 February 2009 |access-date=31 August 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Brumby |first1=Otis |first2=Bill |last2=Kinney |first3=Joe |last3=Kirby |url=http://mdjonline.com/view/full_story/13886238/article-As-the-F-35-program-revs-up---the-F-22-ramps-down?instance=special |title=Around Town: As the F-35 program revs up the F-22 ramps down |work=The Marietta Daily Journal |date=6 June 2011 |access-date=31 August 2011 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120711122957/http://mdjonline.com/view/full_story/13886238/article-As-the-F-35-program-revs-up---the-F-22-ramps-down?instance=special |archive-date=11 July 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| last=Barnes |first=Julian E. |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-feb-11-fi-jets11-story.html |title=Lockheed lobbies for F-22 production on job grounds |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150914190636/http://articles.latimes.com/2009/feb/11/business/fi-jets11 |archive-date=14 September 2015 |work=Los Angeles Times | url-status=live |date=11 February 2009}}</ref> As production wound down in 2011, the total program cost was estimated to be about $67.3&nbsp;billion (about $360&nbsp;million for each production aircraft delivered), with $32.4&nbsp;billion spent on Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) and $34.9&nbsp;billion on procurement and military construction in then year dollars. The [[marginal cost|incremental cost]] for an additional F-22 was estimated at $138&nbsp;million (equivalent to approximately ${{Format price|{{Inflation|index=US-GDP|value=138000000|start_year=2009}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}) in 2009.<ref name="usaf_fy2009_budget">[https://www.saffm.hq.af.mil/Portals/84/documents/FY09/AFD-080204-081.pdf?ver=2016-08-22-141541-383 "FY 2009 Budget Estimates"], pp. 1–13. [https://www.saffm.hq.af.mil/Portals/84/documents/FY09/AFD-080204-081.pdf?ver=2016-08-22-141541-383] U.S. Air Force, February 2008. Retrieved 23 July 2009.</ref><ref name="f22_sar2010">"Selected Acquisition Report (SAR) – F-22, RCS: DD-A&T(Q&A)823–265". Department of Defense, 31 December 2010. Retrieved 13 March 2019.</ref>

In total, 195 F-22s were built. The first two were EMD aircraft in the [[Block number|Block]] 1.0{{refn|Block number designates production variation groups.|group=N}} configuration for initial flight testing and envelope expansion, while the third was a Block 2.0 aircraft built to represent the internal structure of production airframes and enabled it to test full flight loads. Six more EMD aircraft were built in the Block 10 configuration for development and upgrade testing, with the last two considered essentially production-quality jets. Production for operational squadrons consisted of 74 Block 10/20 training aircraft and 112 Block 30/35 combat aircraft for a total of 186 (or 187 when accounting for Production Representative Test Vehicles and certain EMD jets);<ref group=N name="EMD"/> one of the Block 30 aircraft is dedicated to flight sciences at Edwards AFB.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.dau.mil/cop/pbl/DAU%20Sponsored%20Documents/PBL%20Award%20Pkg%202008%20System%20F%2022.pdf |title=PBL Award Pkg 2008 System F-22 |publisher=Defense Acquisition University |access-date=5 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306044703/https://www.dau.mil/cop/pbl/DAU%20Sponsored%20Documents/PBL%20Award%20Pkg%202008%20System%20F%2022.pdf |archive-date=6 March 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_fighters/f22_1.html |title=Lockheed Martin F/A-22 Raptor |work=Joe Baugher |access-date=10 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101123223026/http://joebaugher.com/usaf_fighters/f22_1.html |archive-date=23 November 2010 |url-status=dead}}</ref> By 2020, Block 20 aircraft from Lot 3 onward were upgraded to Block 30 standards under the Common Configuration Plan, increasing the Block 30/35 fleet to 149 aircraft while 37 remained in the Block 20 configuration for training.{{refn|The combat-coded fleet consist of 123 primary and 20 reserve airframes, while several Block 30 aircraft are devoted to operational testing and tactics development at Nellis AFB.<ref name="Scorpion2013">{{cite web |last=Majumdar |first=David |url=https://news.usni.org/2014/05/16/air-force-evaluating-new-targeting-monocle-f-22-raptor |title=Air Force Evaluating New Targeting Monocle for F-22 Raptor |work=USNI News |date=16 May 2014 |access-date=19 October 2021 |archive-date=19 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019025635/https://news.usni.org/2014/05/16/air-force-evaluating-new-targeting-monocle-f-22-raptor |url-status=live}}</ref>|group=N}}<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Schanz |first=Marc V. |url=https://www.airforcemag.com/article/0412raptor/ |title=Raptors for the long haul |magazine=Air Force Magazine |date=1 April 2012 |access-date=13 March 2023 |archive-date=11 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220811080213/https://www.airforcemag.com/article/0412raptor/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=costdata194>{{cite web |last=Drew |first=James |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/us-lawmakers-want-cost-data-for-building-194-more-f-424404/ |title=US lawmakers want cost data for building 194 more F-22s |work=FlightGlobal |date=20 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190418022456/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/us-lawmakers-want-cost-data-for-building-194-more-f-424404/ |archive-date=18 April 2019}}</ref>

===Ban on exports===
[[File:Two F-22 Raptor in flying.jpg|thumb|left|Two F-22s during flight testing, the upper one being the first EMD F-22, Raptor 4001.|alt=Two F-22s overflying snow-capped mountains.]]

In order to prevent the inadvertent disclosure of the aircraft's stealth technology and classified capabilities to U.S. adversaries,<ref>[https://www.congress.gov/amendment/105th-congress/house-amendment/295?r=5&s=7 "H.Amdt.295 to H.R.2266 – 105th Congress (1997–1998)"]. Library of Congress. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190426134714/https://www.congress.gov/amendment/105th-congress/house-amendment/295%3Fr%3D5%26s%3D7 |date=26 April 2019}} Retrieved 9 May 2010.</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-arms-usa-congress-idUSTRE5896JU20090910 |title=Senate panel seeks end to F-22 export ban |access-date=28 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924143026/http://www.reuters.com/article/2009/09/10/us-arms-usa-congress-idUSTRE5896JU20090910 |archive-date=24 September 2015 |url-status=live |work=Reuters |date=10 September 2009}}</ref> annual DoD appropriations acts since FY1998 have included a provision prohibiting the use of funds made available in each act to approve or license the sale of the F-22 to any foreign government.{{sfn|Gertler|2013|p=13-14}} Customers for U.S. fighters are acquiring earlier designs such as the F-15 Eagle and F-16 Fighting Falcon or the newer [[Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II|F-35 Lightning II]], which contains technology from the F-22 but was designed to be cheaper, more flexible, and available for export.<ref name="WP">Smith, R. Jeffrey (10 July 2009). [https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/09/AR2009070903020.html "Premier U.S. fighter jet has major shortcomings: F-22's maintenance demands growing"]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912151228/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/09/AR2009070903020.html |date=12 September 2017}}. ''The Washington Post''. Retrieved 24 July 2009.</ref> In September 2006, Congress upheld the ban on foreign F-22 sales.<ref name="addr_20060927_fms">{{cite news |last=Bruno |first=M. |url=http://aviationweek.com/awin/appropriators-approve-f-22a-multiyear-not-foreign-sales |title=Appropriators Approve F-22A Multiyear, But Not Foreign Sales |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170625033608/http://aviationweek.com/awin/appropriators-approve-f-22a-multiyear-not-foreign-sales |archive-date=25 June 2017 |work=Aviation Week |publisher=McGraw Hill |date=27 September 2006 |access-date=28 August 2011}}</ref> Despite the ban, the 2010 defense authorization bill included provisions requiring the DoD to report on the costs and feasibility for an F-22 export variant, and another report on the effect of export sales on the U.S. aerospace industry.<ref>[http://www.opencongress.org/bill/111-h2647/show "H.R. 2647: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 (overview)"]. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103092023/http://www.opencongress.org/bill/111-h2647/show |date=3 November 2013}}. U.S. House of Representatives – via Opencongress.org. Retrieved: 27 April 2012.</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.congress.gov/bill/111th-congress/house-bill/2647/text |title=H.R.2647 National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 (see Sections 1250 & 8056) |date=28 October 2009 |publisher=United States Congress |access-date=23 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330181745/https://www.congress.gov/bill/111th-congress/house-bill/2647/text |archive-date=30 March 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref>

Some Australian defense officials and politicians have expressed interest in procuring the F-22; in 2008, the [[Chief of the Defence Force (Australia)|Chief of the Defence Force]], [[Air chief marshal (Australia)|Air Chief Marshal]] [[Angus Houston]], stated that the aircraft was being considered by the [[Royal Australian Air Force]] (RAAF) as a potential supplement to the F-35.<ref>{{cite web |last=Taylor |first=Rob |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/markets/companies/australia-mulls-f-22-purchase-in-airpower-re-think-idUSSYD313937/ |title=Australia mulls F-22 purchase in airpower re-think |work=Reuters |date=20 February 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2008-03-23/fitzgibbon-keen-on-us-f-22-raptors/1080942 |title=Fitzgibbon keen on US F-22 Raptors |publisher=ABC News |location=Australia |date=22 March 2008}}</ref> Some defense commentators have even advocated for the purchase in lieu of the planned F-35s, citing the F-22's known capabilities and F-35's delays and developmental uncertainties.<ref>{{cite news |title=Defence committed to new fighters despite flaws |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200606/s1670900.htm |access-date=5 March 2024 |work=ABC News |location=Australia |date=24 June 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060625173337/http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200606/s1670900.htm |archive-date=25 June 2006 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="age_20061002">Carmen, G. (2 October 2006). [http://www.theage.com.au/news/opinion/rapped-in-the-raptor-why-australia-must-have-the-best/2006/10/01/1159641209404.html?page=fullpage "Rapped in the Raptor: why Australia must have the best"]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061109134921/http://www.theage.com.au/news/opinion/rapped-in-the-raptor-why-australia-must-have-the-best/2006/10/01/1159641209404.html?page=fullpage |date=9 November 2006}} ''[[The Age]]''. Retrieved 31 August 2011.</ref><ref>Kopp, Carlo. [http://www.ausairpower.net/Analysis-JSF-Apr-04-P.pdf "Is The Joint Strike Fighter Right For Australia?"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120505082015/http://www.ausairpower.net/Analysis-JSF-Apr-04-P.pdf |date=5 May 2012}} ''[[Air Power Australia]]''. Retrieved 23 July 2009.</ref> However, considerations for the F-22 were later dropped and the [[Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet|F/A-18E/F Super Hornet]] would serve as the RAAF's interim aircraft prior to the F-35's service entry.<ref>{{cite interview |last=Houston |first=Angus |subject-link=Angus Houston |interviewer-last1=Edel |interviewer-first1=Charles |title=A Conversation with Sir Angus Houston, Co-Lead of Australia's New Defence Strategic Review |date=18 May 2023 |publisher=Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS) |url=https://www.csis.org/analysis/conversation-sir-angus-houston-co-lead-australias-new-defence-strategic-review}}</ref>

The Japanese government also showed interest in the F-22. The [[Japan Air Self-Defense Force]] (JASDF) would reportedly require fewer fighters for its mission if it obtained the F-22, thus reducing engineering and staffing costs.<ref>{{cite report |last1=Bolkcom |first1=Christopher |last2=Chanlett-Avery |first2=Emma |title=Potential F-22 Raptor Export to Japan |publisher=[[U.S. Congressional Research Service]] |date=11 March 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Govindasamy |first=Siva |title=Japan makes another push for F-22 |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/japan-makes-another-push-for-f-22/86924.article |work=Flight Global |date=10 June 2009}}</ref> With the end of F-22 production, Japan chose the F-35 in December 2011.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.f35.com/global/participation/japan |title=JASDF's Next Generation Fighter |agency=[[Lockheed Martin]] |access-date=31 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140701115804/https://www.f35.com/global/participation/japan |archive-date=1 July 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref> At one point the Israeli Air Force had hoped to purchase up to 50 F-22s. In November 2003, however, Israeli
representatives announced that after years of analysis and discussions with Lockheed Martin and the DoD, they had concluded that Israel could not afford the aircraft.{{sfn|Bolkcom|2007|p=11}} Israel eventually purchased the F-35.<ref name="IAF_F-22">{{cite web |url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/israel-plans-to-buy-over-100-f35s-02381/ |title=Israeli Plans to Buy F-35s Hitting Obstacles |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070818035852/http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/israel-plans-to-buy-over-100-f35s-02381/ |archive-date=18 August 2007 |work=Defense Industry Daily |date=27 June 2006 |access-date=23 July 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Egozi |first=Arie |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/israel-in-talks-with-usa-over-f-22-orders-213348/ |title=Israel in talks with USA over F-22 orders |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331115621/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/israel-in-talks-with-usa-over-f-22-orders-213348/ |archive-date=31 March 2019 |work=Flight Global |date=20 April 2007R |access-date=30 June 2014}}</ref>

===Production termination===
Throughout the 2000s when the U.S. was primarily fighting counterinsurgency wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the USAF's requirement for 381 F-22s was questioned over rising costs, initial reliability and availability problems, limited multirole versatility, and a lack of relevant adversaries for air combat missions.<ref name="WP"/><ref name="hatch.senate.gov">{{cite web |url=http://hatch.senate.gov/public/_files/F22AssertionsAndFacts.pdf |title=Assertion and Facts |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120703230138/http://hatch.senate.gov/public/_files/F22AssertionsAndFacts.pdf |archive-date=3 July 2012 |work=Office of Senator Orrin Hatch |access-date=17 January 2012}}</ref> In 2006, [[Comptroller General of the United States]] [[David M. Walker (U.S. Comptroller General)|David Walker]] found that "the DoD has not demonstrated the need" for more investment in the F-22,<ref>{{cite report |url=http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-06-455R |title=Tactical Aircraft: DOD Should Present a New F-22A Business Case before Making Further Investments |date=20 June 2006 |publisher=Government Accountability Office |access-date=9 May 2010 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120730201052/http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-06-455R |archive-date=30 July 2012}}</ref> and further opposition was expressed by [[Presidency of George W. Bush|Bush Administration]] Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld and his successor [[Robert Gates]], Deputy Secretary of Defense [[Gordon R. England]], and Chairman of [[United States Senate Committee on Armed Services|U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee]] (SASC) Senators [[John Warner]] and [[John McCain]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Wayne |first=Leslie |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/28/business/28plane.html?pagewanted=print |title=Air Force Jet Wins Battle in Congress |work=The New York Times |date=28 September 2006 |access-date=29 June 2014 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240527015930/https://www.webcitation.org/6Qi8IrzKV?url=http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/28/business/28plane.html%3Fpagewanted=print&_r=0 |archive-date=27 May 2024}} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404101657/https://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/28/business/28plane.html?pagewanted=print |date=4 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Carroll |first=Ward |url=http://defensetech.org/2008/11/19/dogfight-over-f-22-reveals-dod-schisms/ |title=Dogfight Over F-22 Reveals DoD Schisms |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170703193904/https://www.defensetech.org/2008/11/19/dogfight-over-f-22-reveals-dod-schisms/ |archive-date=3 July 2017 |work=Defense Tech |date=19 November 2008 |url-status=usurped |access-date=29 June 2014}}</ref> Under Rumsfeld, procurement was severely cut to 183 aircraft. The F-22 lost influential supporters in 2008 after the forced resignations of Secretary of the Air Force [[Michael Wynne]] and the Chief of Staff of the Air Force General [[T. Michael Moseley]].<ref name="topgeneralwarns">{{Cite news |last=Wolf |first=Jim |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/lockheed-f-idUSN1827570420090618 |title=Top general warns against ending F-22 fighter |work=Reuters |date=18 June 2009 |access-date=1 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103150912/http://www.reuters.com/article/2009/06/18/lockheed-f-idUSN1827570420090618 |archive-date=3 November 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> In November 2008, Gates stated that the F-22 lacked relevance in [[Asymmetric warfare|asymmetric]] post-Cold War conflicts,<ref>{{cite news |last=Cole |first=August |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140702135310/http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB122584363466799201 |archive-date=2 July 2014 |title=Lawmakers Pressure Pentagon to Release Funds for Controversial F-22 Fighter Jet |work=The Wall Street Journal |date=5 November 2008 |url=https://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB122584363466799201 |access-date=29 June 2014}}</ref> and in April 2009, under the [[Presidency of Barack Obama|Obama Administration]], he called for production to end in FY 2011 after completing 187 F-22s.<ref name=cut>{{cite news |last1=Levine |first1=Adam |last2=Mount |first2=Mike Mount |last3=Silverleib |first3=Alan |url=https://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/04/06/gates.budget.cuts/index.html |title=Gates Announces Major Pentagon Priority Shifts |work=CNN |date=9 April 2009 |access-date=31 August 2011}}</ref>

[[File:Two F-22A Raptor in column flight - (Noise reduced).jpg|thumb|Two F-22As in close trail formation]]
The loss of staunch F-22 advocates in the upper DoD echelons resulted in the erosion of its political support. In July 2008, General [[James Cartwright]], Vice Chairman of the [[Joint Chiefs of Staff]], stated to the SASC his reasons for supporting the termination of F-22 production, including shifting resources to the multi-service F-35 and the electric warfare [[Boeing EA-18G Growler|EA-18G Growler]].<ref>{{cite report |url=http://armed-services.senate.gov/Transcripts/2009/07%20July/09-58%20-%207-9-09.pdf |title=SASC Transcripts |publisher=U.S. Senate, Committee on Armed Services |date=9 July 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130517005020/http://armed-services.senate.gov/Transcripts/2009/07%20July/09-58%20-%207-9-09.pdf |archive-date=17 May 2013}}</ref> Although Russian and Chinese fighter developments fueled concern for the USAF, Gates dismissed this and in 2010, he set the F-22 requirement to 187 aircraft by lowering the number of major regional conflict preparations from two to one, despite an effort by Wynne's and Moseley's successors [[Michael B. Donley|Michael Donley]] and General [[Norton Schwartz]] to raise the number to 243; according to Schwartz, he and Donley finally relented in order to convince Gates to preserve the [[Long Range Strike Bomber]] program.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Schwartz |first1=Norton |last2=Levinson |first2=Ron |last3=Schwartz |first3=Suzie |date=2 January 2018 |title=Journey: Memoirs of an Air Force Chief of Staff |url= |location= |publisher=Skyhorse |page= |isbn=9781510710344}}</ref><ref>[http://assets.opencrs.com/rpts/RL31673_20090716.pdf "CRS RL31673 Air Force F-22 Fighter Program: Background and Issues for Congress"], p. 15. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090804003819/http://assets.opencrs.com/rpts/RL31673_20090716.pdf |date=4 August 2009}}. Congressional Research Service. Retrieved 26 September 2010.</ref> After President [[Barack Obama]] threatened to [[presidential veto|veto]] further production at Gates' urging, both the Senate and House agreed to abide by the 187 cap in July 2009.<ref>{{|=Matthews |=William |=31 July 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004233951/http://www.defencetalk.com/house-reverses-itself-votes-to-kill-f-22-buy-20860/ |archive-date=2013-10-04 |title=House Reverses Itself, Votes To Kill F-22 Buy |title=Defense News |url=http://www.defencetalk.com/house-reverses-itself-votes-to-kill-f-22-buy-20860/}}</ref><ref>[http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d111:SP01469: "S.AMDT.1469 to cut F-22 funding"]. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121215111917/http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d111%3ASP01469%3A |date=15 December 2012}} Library of Congress. Retrieved 13 June 2010.</ref> Gates highlighted the F-35's role in the decision,<ref name="gates_speech">{{Cite speech|last=Gates |first=Robert |url=http://www.defense.gov/speeches/speech.aspx?speechid=1369 |title=Economic Club of Chicago |publisher=US Department of Defense |event=Economic Club of Chicago |location=Chicago, Illinois |date=16 July 2009 |access-date=1 November 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100228043004/http://www.defense.gov/speeches/speech.aspx?speechid=1369 |archive-date=28 February 2010}}</ref> and believed that the U.S. would maintain its stealth fighter numbers advantage by 2025 even with F-35 delays.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20150905164707/http://archive.defense.gov/transcripts/transcript.aspx?transcriptid=4748 "Media Availability with Secretary Gates en route to Beijing, China from Andrews Air Force Base"].  U.S. Department of Defense, 11 January 2011.</ref> In December 2011, the 195th and final F-22 was completed out of 8 test and 187 production aircraft built; the jet was delivered on 2 May 2012.<ref name=AW_last_Raptor>{{Cite news |last=Butler |first=Amy |url=https://aviationweek.com/awin/last-raptor-rolls-lockheed-martin-line-0 |title=Last Raptor Rolls Off Lockheed Martin Line |work=Aviation Week |publisher=McGraw Hill |date=27 December 2011 |access-date=10 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150324042842/http://aviationweek.com/awin/last-raptor-rolls-lockheed-martin-line-0 |archive-date=24 March 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="FG_last_f-22">{{Cite news |last=Majumdar |first=Dave |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/in-focus-usaf-receives-last-f-22-raptor-371401/ |title=USAF receives last F-22 Raptor |work=FlightGlobal |date=3 May 2012 |access-date=9 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140528155848/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/in-focus-usaf-receives-last-f-22-raptor-371401/ |archive-date=28 May 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref>

After production ended, F-22 tooling and associated documentation were retained and mothballed at the [[Sierra Army Depot]] to support repairs and maintenance throughout the fleet life cycle, as well as the possibility of a production restart or a Service Life Extension Program (SLEP).<ref>{{cite web |last=Trimble |first=Stephen |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/usaf-considers-options-to-preserve-f-22-production-tooling-339070/ |title=USAF considers options to preserve F-22 production tooling |work=FlightGlobal |date=5 March 2010 |access-date=30 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131031212110/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/usaf-considers-options-to-preserve-f-22-production-tooling-339070/ |archive-date=31 October 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>[http://www.rand.org/pubs/monographs/2010/RAND_MG797.pdf "Ending F-22A Production: Costs and Industrial Base Implications of Alternative Options"]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121007214536/http://www.rand.org/pubs/monographs/2010/RAND_MG797.pdf |date=7 October 2012}}. Rand Corporation. Retrieved 26 September 2010.</ref><ref name=Mothball>{{Cite news |last=Wolf |first=Jim |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-fighter-usa-lockheed-idUSTRE7BC09T20111213 |title=U.S. to mothball gear to build top F-22 fighter |work=Reuters |date=12 December 2011 |access-date=30 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131022043329/http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/12/13/us-fighter-usa-lockheed-idUSTRE7BC09T20111213 |archive-date=22 October 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> The Marietta plant space was repurposed to support the [[Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules|C-130J]] and F-35, while engineering work for sustainment and upgrades continued at Fort Worth, Texas and Palmdale, California.<ref>Wolf, Jim (12 December 2011). [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-fighter-usa-lockheed-idUSTRE7BC09T20111213 "U.S. to mothball gear to build top F-22 fighter"]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330193221/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-fighter-usa-lockheed-idUSTRE7BC09T20111213 |date=30 March 2019}}. Reuters.</ref><ref name="restart">{{cite report |url=https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4452474-F-22A-Production-Restart-Assessment.html |title=Report to Congress: F-22A Production Restart Assessment |publisher=U.S. Air Force |via=[[DocumentCloud]] |date=February 2017 |access-date=13 March 2023 |archive-date=9 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221209010940/https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4452474-F-22A-Production-Restart-Assessment.html |url-status=live}}</ref> The curtailed production forced the USAF to extend the service of 179 F-15C/Ds until 2026—well beyond its planned retirement—and replace those with new-build [[Boeing F-15EX Eagle II|F-15EX]], which had an active export production line that minimized non-recurring start-up costs, to maintain adequate air superiority fighter numbers.<ref>{{cite news |last=Trimble |first=Steve |url=https://aviationweek.com/aerospace-defense-2021/defense-space/three-generations-fighters-compete-limited-resources |title=Three Generations Of Fighters Compete For Limited Resources |work=Aviation Week |publisher=Informa |date=10 December 2020 |access-date=13 March 2023 |archive-date=9 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230209044920/https://aviationweek.com/aerospace-defense-2021/defense-space/three-generations-fighters-compete-limited-resources |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="f15ex">{{cite web |last=Pawlyk |first=Oriana |date=22 March 2019 |title=Pentagon Buying F-15EX Alongside F-35s to Preserve Diversity, Official Says |url=https://www.military.com/daily-news/2019/03/22/pentagon-buying-f-15ex-alongside-f-35s-preserve-diversity-official-says.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231225222305/https://www.military.com/daily-news/2019/03/22/pentagon-buying-f-15ex-alongside-f-35s-preserve-diversity-official-says.html |archive-date=25 December 2023 |work=[[Military.com]]}}</ref>

In April 2016, Congress directed the USAF to conduct a cost study and assessment associated with resuming production of the F-22, citing advancing threats from Russia and China.<ref>[http://www.military.com/daily-news/2016/04/19/house-lawmakers-air-force-study-restarting-f22-production.html "House Lawmakers Want Air Force to Study Restarting F-22 Production"]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331115552/https://www.military.com/daily-news/2016/04/19/house-lawmakers-air-force-study-restarting-f22-production.html |date=31 March 2019}}. ''Military.com''. 19 April 2016.</ref> On 9 June 2017, the USAF submitted their report stating they had no plans to restart the F-22 production line due to cost-prohibitive economic and logistical challenges; it estimated it would cost approximately $50&nbsp;billion to procure 194 additional F-22s at a cost of $206–216&nbsp;million per aircraft, including approximately $9.9&nbsp;billion for non-recurring start-up costs and $40.4&nbsp;billion for acquisition with the first delivery in the mid-to-late 2020s. The long gap since the end of production meant hiring new workers, sourcing replacement vendors, and finding new plant space, contributing to the high start-up costs and lead times. The USAF believed that the funding would be better invested in its next-generation Air Superiority 2030 effort, which evolved into the [[Next Generation Air Dominance]] (NGAD).<ref>[http://www.military.com/daily-news/2017/06/21/the-f22-fighter-jet-restart-dead-study.html?ESRC=todayinmil.sm "The F-22 Fighter Jet Restart Is Dead: Study"]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306234757/https://www.military.com/daily-news/2017/06/21/the-f22-fighter-jet-restart-dead-study.html?ESRC=todayinmil.sm |date=6 March 2019}}. ''Military.com''. 21 June 2017.</ref><ref name="restart"/>

===Modernization and upgrades===
The F-22 and its subsystems were designed to be upgraded over its life cycle via numbered Increments{{refn|Increments were originally called "Spirals".|group=N}} and Operational Flight Program (OFP) updates in anticipation for technological advances and evolving threats, although this initially proved difficult and costly due to the highly integrated avionics systems architecture.<ref>{{cite web |last=Ayton |first=Mark |url=https://www.key.aero/article/testing-combat-edge |title=Testing the Combat Edge |work=Air Forces Monthly |date=22 December 2016 |access-date=13 March 2023 |archive-date=13 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220913085121/https://www.key.aero/article/testing-combat-edge |url-status=live}}</ref> Amid debates over the airplane's relevance in asymmetric counterinsurgency warfare, the first upgrades primarily focused on ground attack, or strike capabilities. [[Joint Direct Attack Munition]]s (JDAM) employment was added with Increment 2 in 2005 and [[Small Diameter Bomb]] (SDB) was integrated with 3.1 in 2011; the improved AN/APG-77(V)1 radar, which incorporates air-to-ground modes, was certified in March 2007 and fitted on airframes from Lot 5 onward.{{refn|Increment 3.1 also incorporated [[synthetic aperture radar]] (SAR) mapping, radio emitter [[direction finding]], and [[Electronic warfare#Electronic attack|electronic attack]].<ref>{{cite report |url= http://www.dote.osd.mil/pub/reports/FY2013/pdf/af/2013f22a.pdf |title= DOT&E FY2013 Annual Report – F-22A Advanced Tactical Fighter |publisher=Office of the Secretary of Defense |access-date= 29 January 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140202205612/http://www.dote.osd.mil/pub/reports/FY2013/pdf/af/2013f22a.pdf |archive-date= 2 February 2014 |url-status=live |df= dmy-all}}</ref>|group=N}}<ref name="apg77v1fi">[https://www.forecastinternational.com/archive/disp_pdf.cfm?DACH_RECNO=942 "AN/APG-77(V)"]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161123201252/https://www.forecastinternational.com/archive/disp_pdf.cfm?DACH_RECNO=942 |date=23 November 2016}}. ''Forecast International''. March 2012.</ref><ref name="AWST">{{cite news |last1=Wall |first1=Robert |last2=Butler |first2=Amy |url=http://aviationweek.com/awin/usaf-weighs-future-priority-needs |title=USAF Weighs Future Priority Needs |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141229083427/http://aviationweek.com/awin/usaf-weighs-future-priority-needs |archive-date=29 December 2014 |work=Aviation Week |publisher=McGraw Hill |date=21 November 2011}}</ref> To address [[Hypoxia (medical)|oxygen deprivation issues]], F-22s were fitted with an automatic backup oxygen system (ABOS) and modified life support system starting in 2012.<ref name="resume-op">{{cite web|work=Air Combat Command Public Affairs |url=https://www.acc.af.mil/News/story/id/123343030/ |title=Air Force F-22 resumes normal flight operations |publisher=U.S. Air Force |date=4 April 2013 |access-date=30 October 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131101154055/http://www.acc.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123343030 |archive-date=1 November 2013}}</ref>

[[File:F-22 test fires AIM-9X.jpg|thumb|left|A Block 30 F-22A, serial 06-4132, of the [[411th Flight Test Squadron]] test-fires an AIM-9X in 2015.]]
In contrast to prior upgrades, Increment 3.2 emphasized air combat capabilities with updates to electronic warfare, CNI (including Link 16 receive), and geolocation as well as [[AIM-9X]] and [[AIM-120 AMRAAM#Variants and upgrades|AIM-120D]] integration.<ref>{{cite web |last=Osborn |first=Kris |url=https://defensemaven.io/warriormaven/air/air-force-gives-stealthy-f-22-raptors-new-air-to-air-attack-weapons-fjL9mAgbMEyoVxaOsjLrPQ |title=Air Force Gives Stealthy F-22 Raptors New Air-to-Air Attack Weapons |work=Warrior Maven |date=14 May 2019 |access-date=13 March 2023 |archive-date=18 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210418054839/https://defensemaven.io/warriormaven/air/air-force-gives-stealthy-f-22-raptors-new-air-to-air-attack-weapons-fjL9mAgbMEyoVxaOsjLrPQ |url-status=live}}</ref> Fleet releases of the two-part process began in 2013 and 2019 respectively. Concurrently, OFP updates added [[Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System]], cryptographic enhancements, and improved avionics stability, among others.<ref name="f22-increment">{{cite web|last=Majumdar |first=Dave |url=http://www.defensenews.com/article/20110530/DEFFEAT04/105300306/F-22-Getting-New-Brain |archive-url= https://archive.today/20120729180346/http://www.defensenews.com/article/20110530/DEFFEAT04/105300306/F-22-Getting-New-Brain |url-status=dead |archive-date=29 July 2012 |title=F-22 Getting New Brain |work=Defense News |date=30 May 2011 |access-date=30 October 2013}}</ref><ref>"A transitional year for military combat aircraft", ''Aviation Week and Space Technology'', 1/8 December 2014, p. 60.</ref> A [[Multifunctional Information Distribution System|MIDS-JTRS]] terminal, which includes Mode 5 [[identification friend or foe|IFF]] and Link 16 transmit/receive capability, was installed starting in 2021.<ref name=mids-j/><ref name="raptorroadmap2019">{{cite web |last=Zazulia |first=Nick |url=https://www.aviationtoday.com/2018/10/11/rejuvenating-raptor-roadmap-f-22-modernization/ |title=Rejuvenating the Raptor: Roadmap for F-22 Modernization |work=Avionics Today |date=11 October 2018 |access-date=15 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190216035441/https://www.aviationtoday.com/2018/10/11/rejuvenating-raptor-roadmap-f-22-modernization/ |archive-date=16 February 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> To address obsolescence and modernization difficulties, the F-22's mission computers were upgraded in 2021 with military-hardened [[commercial off-the-shelf]] (COTS) open mission system (OMS) processor modules with a modular open systems architecture (MOSA). [[Agile software development]] process in conjunction with an orchestration system was implemented to enable faster upgrades from additional vendors, and software updates shifted away from Increments developed using the [[waterfall model]] to numbered annual releases.<ref>{{cite news |last=Trimble |first=Steve |url=https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/aircraft-propulsion/usaf-seeks-third-party-vendors-f-22-sensor-capability-upgrades |title=USAF Seeks Third-Party Vendors For F-22 Sensor, Capability Upgrades |work=Aviation Week |date=12 January 2022 |access-date=13 March 2023 |archive-date=26 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221126162048/https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/aircraft-propulsion/usaf-seeks-third-party-vendors-f-22-sensor-capability-upgrades |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Everstine |first=Brian |url=https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/aircraft-propulsion/usaf-lockheed-plan-f-22-updates-feed-next-gen-fighter-tech |title=USAF, Lockheed Plan F-22 Updates To Feed Next-Gen Fighter Tech |work=Aviation Week |date=4 August 2023}}</ref>

[[File:F-22 with 757 FTB near Edwards AFB.jpg|thumb|F-22s fly in formation with the 757 FTB near Edwards AFB]]
Additional upgrades being tested include new sensors and antennas, integration of new weapons including the [[AIM-260 JATM]], and reliability improvements such as more durable stealth coatings; the dedicated infrared search and track (IRST), originally deleted during Dem/Val, is one of the sensors added.<ref>Osborn, Kris. [https://defensesystems.com/articles/2017/03/14/f22.aspx "Air Force upgrades F-22 sensors, weapons hardware"]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170315150211/https://defensesystems.com/articles/2017/03/14/f22.aspx |date=15 March 2017}}. ''Defense Systems'', 14 March 2017.</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Contracts for November 5, 2021 |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/2835747/https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/2835747// |date=2021-11-05 |publisher=U.S. Department of Defense |language=en-US}}{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Losey|first=Stephen|date=5 November 2021|title=Lockheed wins $10.9B contract to modernize F-22|url=https://www.defensenews.com/air/2021/11/05/lockheed-wins-109b-contract-to-modernize-f-22/|access-date=8 November 2021|website=Defense News|archive-date=13 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313155355/https://www.defensenews.com/air/2021/11/05/lockheed-wins-109b-contract-to-modernize-f-22/|url-status=live}}</ref> Other developments include all-aspect IRST functionality for the Missile Launch Detector (MLD),{{refn|All-aspect IRST functionality, called Infrared Defensive System (IRDS), is being developed for the F-22, with updated sensors called TacIRST.<ref>{{cite web |last=Wolfe |first=Frank |url=https://www.defensedaily.com/lockheed-martin-plans-to-integrate-new-defensive-system-on-f-22/air-force/ |title=Lockheed Martin Plans to Integrate New Defensive System on F-22 |work=Defense Daily |date=22 January 2025}}</ref>|group=N}} manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) capability with uncrewed [[collaborative combat aircraft]] (CCA) or "loyal wingmen", and integration of the [[Gentex (military contractor)|Gentex]]/[[Raytheon]] (later [[Thales Group|Thales USA]]) Scorpion [[helmet-mounted display]] (HMD).{{refn|The original plan to integrate the Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS) was deferred due to costs and technical difficulties. In 2013, the newer Scorpion HMD was successfully tested on the F-22, but it was initially not deployed due to funding cuts.<ref name="Scorpion2013"/>|group=N}}<ref name="raptorroadmap2019"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thalesdsi.com/2024/09/20/thales-awarded-diu-contract-f22-hmd-interface-dev/ |title=Thales Defense & Security Inc. (TDSI) Awarded Contract by DIU for F-22 Helmet Mounted Display Interface Development |work=Thales DSI |date=20 September 2024}}</ref> To preserve the aircraft's stealth while enabling additional payload and fuel capacity, stealthy external carriage has been investigated since the early-2000s, with a low drag, low-observable external tank and pylon under development to increase stealthy combat radius.<ref name="Raptor_as_bomber">{{cite journal |last= Tirpak |first=John A. |journal=Air Force Magazine |publisher=Air Force Association |access-date=7 July 2009 |date=January 2005 |oclc=5169825 |pages=28–33 |title=The Raptor as Bomber |url=http://www.airforcemag.com/MagazineArchive/Documents/2005/January%202005/0105raptor.pdf |volume=88 |issue=1 |issn=0730-6784}}</ref> The F-22 has also been used a platform to test and apply technologies from the NGAD program.<ref name="F22_NGAD_tech">{{cite web |title=F-22 Being Used To Test Next Generation Air Dominance 'Fighter' Tech |url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/f-22-being-used-to-test-next-generation-air-dominance-fighter-tech |work=The War Zone |date=25 April 2022 |access-date=13 March 2023 |archive-date=16 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221216183519/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/f-22-being-used-to-test-next-generation-air-dominance-fighter-tech |url-status=live}}</ref>

Not all proposed upgrades have been implemented. The planned [[Multifunction Advanced Data Link]] (MADL) integration was cut due to development delays and lack of proliferation.  While Block 20 aircraft from Lot 3 onwards have been upgraded to Block 30/35 under the Common Configuration Plan, Lockheed Martin in 2017 had also proposed upgrading all remaining Block 20 training aircraft to Block 30/35 as well to increase numbers available for combat; this was not pursued due to other budget priorities.<ref name=costdata194/>

Aside from modernizations, the F-22's structural design and construction was improved over the course of the production run; for instance, aircraft from Lot 3 onwards had improved stabilators built by [[Vought]].<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://news.lockheedmartin.com/2002-06-26-New-Horizontal-Stabilator-Design-and-Manufacturing-Process-to-Save-F-22-Raptor-Program-1-Million-Per-Aircraft |title=New Horizontal Stabilator Design And Manufacturing Process To Save F-22 Raptor Program $1 Million Per Aircraft |agency=Lockheed Martin |date=26 June 2002}}</ref><ref>Miller 2005, p. 60.</ref> The fleet underwent a $350&nbsp;million "structures repair/retrofit program" (SRP) to resolve problems identified during testing as well as address improper titanium heat treatment in the parts of early batches.<ref>{{cite web |last=Offley |first=Ed |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-145240376.html |title=Flaw Could Shorten Raptors' Lives |work=News-Herald |location=Panama City, Florida |date=4 May 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140611061716/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-145240376.html |access-date=12 February 2014|archive-date=11 June 2014}}</ref><ref name=availability_63%>{{cite web |last=Drew |first=James |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/f-22-raptor-retrofit-to-take-longer-but-availability-hits-414341/ |title=F-22 Raptor retrofit to take longer, but availability hits 63% |work=FlightGlobal |date=5 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150709123518/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/f-22-raptor-retrofit-to-take-longer-but-availability-hits-414341/ |archive-date=9 July 2015}}</ref> By January 2021, all aircraft had gone through the SRP to ensure full service lives for the entire fleet.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.dvidshub.net/news/387645/f-22-raptor-gets-major-upgrades-courtesy-hill-afbs-574th-aircraft-maintenance-squadron |title=F-22 Raptor gets major upgrades courtesy of Hill AFB's 574th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron |last1=Lloyd |first1=Alex R. |date=26 January 2021 |website=Defense Visual Information Distribution Service |publisher=Ogden Air Logistics Complex |access-date=27 January 2021 |archive-date=27 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127111406/https://www.dvidshub.net/news/387645/f-22-raptor-gets-major-upgrades-courtesy-hill-afbs-574th-aircraft-maintenance-squadron |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="f22-problems">Rolfsen, Bruce (12 November 2007). [http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20071114095944/http%3A//airforcetimes.com/news/2007/11/airforce_raptor_rust_071112w/ "F-22 design problems force expensive fixes"]. ''Air Force Times''.</ref> The F-22 has also been used to test and qualify alternative fuels, including a synthetic jet fuel consisting of 50/50 mix of [[JP-8]] and a [[Fischer–Tropsch process]]-produced, natural gas-based fuel in August 2008, and a 50% mixture of biofuel derived from [[camelina]] in March 2011.<ref>Delos Reyes, Julius (3 September 2008). [https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/122541/edwards-f-22-raptor-refuels-using-synthetic-fuel/ "Edwards F-22 Raptor performs aerial refueling using synthetic fuel"]. [https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/122541/edwards-f-22-raptor-refuels-using-synthetic-fuel/] U.S. Air Force. Retrieved 14 September 2011.</ref><ref>Quick, Darren (23 March 2011). [http://www.gizmag.com/f-22-raptor-biofuel-flight/18218/ "F-22 Raptor hits Mach 1.5 on camelina-based biofuel"]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120226122946/http://www.gizmag.com/f-22-raptor-biofuel-flight/18218/ |date=26 February 2012}} ''Gizmag''.</ref>