Multiple-Year Contract Puts Program On Autopilot

Congressional approval of a multi-year contract with Lockheed to purchase F-22 Raptor fighters means the Air Force can now look to other priorities.

Lockheed spokesman Tom Jurkowsky told the Dallas Morning News, "That's not really surprising to us. With the multi-year funding that's been approved, we feel the program has achieved stability."

Analysts say the Air Force believes approval of this contract will end the annual congressional budget battles over the controversial Raptor, the most expensive fighter in history.

The Raptor, at more that $130 million a copy, employs a number of new technologies including stealth, supercruise and a number of new electronic systems.

The AF plans to negotiate a deal to purchase 20 Raptors a year starting in 2007 -- a move which could save nearly a quarter billion dollars. Congress approved the purchase of only 183 total aircraft, and the AF hopes it can up that number closer to its requested 381.

That number would allow for 24 combat-ready jets in each of 10 squadrons. The excess accounts for aircraft undergoing maintenance.

AF Chief of Staff General T. Michael Moseley's and Secretary of the Air Force Michael Wynne's new priority list includes:

• Replacing the service's fleet of aerial refueling tankers
• Developing and acquiring new helicopters for combat search-and-rescue operations
• Acquiring new early warning and communications satellites
• Getting the F-35 Lightning II into production
• Developing a new long-range bomber

As ANN reported, the AF hopes to begin replacing the tanker fleet immediately.

FMI: www.af.mil