Hobby Master 1/72 HA2811C Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor, "Spirit of America" (underwing weapons: 2 x AGM-158, 8 x AIM-120, 2 x fuel tanks)

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.

Designed to meet a US Air Force requirement for an Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF) to replace the F-15 Eagle, the F-22 was first flown on September 29th, 1990. The USAF's ATF program aimed to produce a fifth-generation air superiority fighter that would be better matched against emerging new aircraft such as the Su-27 Flanker. The F-22 uses stealth technology and can function in air superiority, ground attack, intelligence and electronic warfare roles. Despite its capabilities, the F-22 program was relatively short-lived; by 2010 its high cost coupled with the development of the F-35 (a more versatile and less expensive aircraft) led to a cessation of F-22 production funding.