Hobby Master Archive

Lockheed F/A-22 EMD Raptor 02 AF 91-4002 rolled off the production line at Marietta, Georgia on February 10, 1998 and conducted its maiden flight from Dobbin ARB (Air Reserve Base) on June 29, 1998 piloted by Paul Metz. On July 25, 1998 the aircraft was delivered to the U.S. Military and flown to Edwards AFB on August 26, 1998. At Edwards AFB Raptor 002 joined Raptor 001 in the F/A-22 test program. By the end of 1998 these two F/A-22s demonstrated they could attain Mach 1.4 without after-burners.