| Description: |
The USAF developed a requirement for a new air superiority fighter to replace the F-15 Eagle, and the F-22 Raptor was the answer. It is a light weight, extremely maneuverable, extremely fast aircraft that uses stealth technology, and is also capable of ground attack, electronic warfare and signals intelligence. F-22A 04-4065 was delivered in 2006 and is the first of two aircraft belonging to the 422 Test and Evaluation Squadron (TES) that have been seen wearing a special mirror-like finish. The coating on the first aircraft appears to be comprised of larger mirror tiles than the second aircraft. The first sighting of 04-4065 took place on November 19, 2021 at Nellis AFB and the second, 04-4070 on March 17, 2022. As to the purpose of this new covering, there is only speculation at this point, however stealth is the most likely answer. |