The Northrop/McDonnell Douglas YF-23A "Black Widow II" and the Lockheed Martin/Boeing/General Dynamics-designed F-22A "Raptor" were both contenders in the 1980s Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF) Program aimed at outmatching Soviet capabilities
China may not fear American technology or hardware, but the air service still deployed its F-22 Raptors, operated by the 199th and 19th Fighter Squadrons, back to Kadena in late March.
The United States operates some of the most advanced and capable tactical aircraft ever to take to the skies, but what does it cost to train the pilot? More than you might think.
Despite its formidable reputation, the F-22 Raptor has faced challenges in simulated dogfights, notably against older jets and the German Eurofighter Typhoons about a decade ago, tarnishing its invincible image.