Lockheed Martin and the Air Force have joined forces to create the F-22. The contract value is about $11 billion. The team is working to develop the design, production tooling and build nine flight-worthy aircraft and two ground-test aircraft. In June 2002, the Air Force received the last F-22 EMD plane.
Air Force
An Air Force F-22 costs approximately $110 million per plane. This doesn't include the R&D that was required to build the aircraft. A lot of ground support equipment is required to make the aircraft fly. The Air Force is considering a two-seat variant of the F-22, but these aircraft would likely cost at least $150 million per aircraft.
Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin F-22 military jet can be purchased for as high as $71.6 billion. The United States Air Force uses this aircraft. The total cost of the project is approximately $71.6billion. 442 aircraft are planned.
Prices
Although the price of an F-22 may seem exorbitant, it is not nearly as expensive as people think. The F-22 actually costs more than $200 million per plane. But what about F-35A? The Raptor is just slightly more expensive at $232.5 Million per aircraft.
Contract value
In August 1991, the Air Force awarded Lockheed Martin and Boeing a contract for the development of the F-22 Raptor. Since then, the contract has increased to approximately $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. In June 2002, the Air Force received its last aircraft.
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. While the F-22 will have a slightly higher operating cost, it is still a very good value for money.
Export studies
Congress has required the United States Air Force study the exportability and cost for an export-configured F-22. The study was required under the 2009 Appropriations Bill. The Air Force demanded 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 performed an internal feasibility assessment for export in March 2009.
Future plans
The F-22, an advanced stealth fighter with supersonic flight capabilities, is highly capable. 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 capability significantly expands the aircraft’s operating envelope. 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.