Lockheed Martin and The Air Force have teamed up in the production of the F-22. The contract is valued at approximately $11 billion. The team is currently working on the design, production tooling, and construction of nine flight-worthy aircraft as well as two ground-test planes. The last F-22 EMD aircraft was delivered to the Air Force in June 2002.
Air Force
Air Force F-22s are approximately $110,000,000 each. This does not include the R&D required to create the aircraft. This aircraft requires extensive ground support equipment. Air Force considers a F-22 2-seat variant. However, these aircraft are likely to cost at least $150M per aircraft.
Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin F-22 can cost up $71.6 billion. This aircraft is used in the United States Air Force. The total cost of the project is approximately $71.6billion. 442 aircraft are planned.
Price
While an F-22 might seem expensive, it's actually not as costly as some people believe. An F-22 can be purchased for just over $200 million. But what about the F-35A? The Raptor's price is slightly higher at $232.5million per aircraft.
Contract value
The Air Force awarded Lockheed Martin a contract to develop the F-22 Raptor in August 1991. Since then, the contract has risen to around $11 Billion. This contract covers design and development of the aircraft as well as production tooling. Nine flightworthy aircraft will be delivered and two ground-tests aircraft will also be delivered. The Air Force received their last aircraft in June 2002.
Maintenance costs
The F-22's cost is a key factor in aircraft purchase decisions. The F-35 cost $170 million to build initially, but this has been reduced to $80 millions. The F-22 will be slightly more expensive to operate but it still offers excellent value.
Export studies
Congress requires the United States Air Force (USAF) to study exportability and costs of an export-configured F-22. The study was mandated by the 2009 Appropriations bill. The Air Force wanted more time to complete the study. Similar studies have been conducted on the Raptor before, which is currently being made in the United States. Lockheed Martin carried out an internal export feasibility review in March 2009.
Future plans
The F-22 is an advanced stealth fighter, capable of supersonic flight. The F-22's engines are more powerful than any other fighter and the aircraft's aerodynamic design allows for supersonic cruise speeds without an afterburner. This ability significantly increases the aircraft's operational capabilities. The F-22 has a low drag coefficient and an advanced flight control system called thrust vectoring. This plane has had extensive testing to prove its advanced design.