Hobby Master Archive

In 1986 Northrop and Lockheed Martin were each awarded a demonstration and concept validation contract. The Lockheed YF-22 won over Northrop’s YF-23. The YF-22 first flew on September 29, 1990 with the flight of the first production F-22 “Raptor” taking place on September 7, 1997. This aircraft was number 91-4001 with a serial of 91-001 and named “Spirit of America”. In October 1997 91-001 went to Edwards AFB in California for testing. What started with 91-001 will end in 2013 when the last planned 438th F-22 is delivered.