Lockheed F-22A Raptor – 02-4040, 43rd FS “Hornets”, 325th FW, USAF

Air Force 1 1/72 scale AF1-0117E: Lockheed F-22A Raptor serial 02-4040 of the 43rd FS “Hornets”, 325th FW, USAF. With opening canopy, moving elevators and jet pipe nozzles, raised and lowered undercarriage options and open or closed weapons bay with weapons, plus display stand.

Length 10.25 inches Wingspan 7.5 inches

PLEASE NOTE: The paint finish on AF1 models is not to the superior standard of Corgi or Hobby Master equivalents. The low price reflects the fact that there are imperfections. Please do not purchase if this is going to bother you. If you can live with the paint defects this is an absolute bargain; quite a nice piece of diecast with a satisfying weighty feel to it.

Lockheed F-22A Raptor 02-4040 “The Pride Of Bay County” was delivered on March 22, 2005 and then in 2006 was assigned to the 43rd FS “Hornets” as part of the 325 FW located at Tyndall AFB. The 43rd FS received the first F-22 in 2003 and its primary function is to provide F-22 pilots with advanced air-dominance training. The 43rd FS was organized in 1917 and saw combat during WW I, WW II, Vietnam and formed part of the Alaskan Air Command during the Cold War.

The USAF developed a requirement for a new air superiority fighter to replace the F-15 Eagle. Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF). The aircraft is constructed using 39% titanium, 24% composite material, 16% aluminum and 1% thermoplastic by weight. All these components contribute to the F-22 being a light weight, extremely maneuverable, extremely fast aircraft that uses stealth technology. The F-22 is also capable of ground attack, electronic warfare and signals intelligence. Due to excessively high unit costs funding was stopped in 2010 and the final example of 195 F-22s was delivered in 2012 (8 pre production and 187 production aircraft)