Next combat-ready USAF Raptor to be reinstated

In November 2018, Scramble Magazine wrote about the outcome of the investigation regarding the mishap with Lockheed Martin F-22A Raptor 07-4146/AK.

The aircraft concerned had a mishap whilst taking off from Naval Air Station Fallon (NV) on 13 April 2018. This, because the landing gear was prematurely retracted at an airspeed that was insufficient for the Raptor to maintain flight.

Now, after more than three and half years of hard work by maintenance personnel of the 3rd wing at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (AK), the restored aircraft is entering a new phase.

As F-22As are no longer being manufactured, returning this jet to mission-capable and combat-ready status is important, not only for the 3rd Wing's capabilities, but the capabilities of the entire USAF.

In September 2018, Scramble Magazine published that every Raptor counts, so bringing 07-4146 back to operational status is very important.

The first functional check flight for the Raptor involved is now projected for March 2022. After that it is expected that it will be distributed to the 90th Fighter Squadron again. By then the USAF will have 186 operational Raptors at its disposal.

Photos by USAF