Hobby Master 1/72 Air Power Series
HA2803BLockheed F-22 "Raptor" 192nd Fighter Wing "Cripes A'Mighty" (w/underwings 4 x AIM-120)
General Background
The USAF developed a requirement for a new air superiority fighter to replace the F-15 Eagle. Two proposals were submitted with the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor being selected as the new 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.
The Aircraft
On March 12, 2010 an annual Maintenance Professional of the Year banquet was held at Langley AFB, Virginia. For this occasion F-22A 04-4082, the flagship of the 192 FW Virginia ANG unit was given a temporary blue nose paint scheme. The idea was to honor the 328th FS stationed at Bodney, England in WWII. The scheme is a duplicate of the P-51D Cripes-a-Mighty flown by Ace Major George Preddy who was a Commander of the 328th FS. The 192 FW was derived from the 328th FS after WWII.
