The F-22 Raptor stealth aircraft is one of the most controversial fighters ever created for the U.S. military. With an estimated cost per unit of $150 million, this ultra-expensive combat platform had its share of problems since its first flight 21 years ago.
Even though the aircraft is yet to prove its worth in combat, the F-22 remains the crown jewel of the Air Force. There's even a special flight team, stationed at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia, that flies the Raptor at various air shows across the world, to both impress and terrify.
The team was present last week at the EAA Airventure Air Show in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, where they performed the usual routine. Planes were flown, spectators were dazzled, and everyone walked away happy and unharmed.
Some of the photos taken at the event and published this week by The Drive show however that at least one of the aircraft flown by the demonstration team is not exactly in perfect shape.
The photos show the aircraft's front end, with severe signs of corrosion affecting the area right in front of the canopy. There even appear to be portions of the aircraft's skin missing here and there.
The health of the airplane's skin is essential not only because it ensures the proper aerodynamic abilities, but also because it is precisely this exterior material that dupes radar into not seeing the stealth aircraft.
The F-22s used for flight demonstrations, of course, don't need radar protection, but seeing how damaged the aircraft looks, one can't stop from wondering how brave a pilot has to be to fly in one of these things.
After all, history has shown it only takes a missing bolt or nut to take an aircraft down.
According to Senior Airman Joshua Moon from the 192nd Fighter Wing, this type of damage is however common when the aircraft is flwon to and even beyond its limits.
The team was present last week at the EAA Airventure Air Show in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, where they performed the usual routine. Planes were flown, spectators were dazzled, and everyone walked away happy and unharmed.
Some of the photos taken at the event and published this week by The Drive show however that at least one of the aircraft flown by the demonstration team is not exactly in perfect shape.
The photos show the aircraft's front end, with severe signs of corrosion affecting the area right in front of the canopy. There even appear to be portions of the aircraft's skin missing here and there.
The health of the airplane's skin is essential not only because it ensures the proper aerodynamic abilities, but also because it is precisely this exterior material that dupes radar into not seeing the stealth aircraft.
The F-22s used for flight demonstrations, of course, don't need radar protection, but seeing how damaged the aircraft looks, one can't stop from wondering how brave a pilot has to be to fly in one of these things.
After all, history has shown it only takes a missing bolt or nut to take an aircraft down.
According to Senior Airman Joshua Moon from the 192nd Fighter Wing, this type of damage is however common when the aircraft is flwon to and even beyond its limits.