The United States Air Force is displaying its F-22 Raptor in Europe for the first time today.

The exceptionally manoeuvrable, ultra-modern combat aircraft is on show at the Farnborough International Airshow in Hampshire.

The aircraft is being displayed by Major Paul 'Max' Moga, the USAF's specially-trained Demonstration Pilot for the F-22.

Moga told the US-based Airshowbuzz news website: "We're excited to be here [in the UK] to say the least".

The 15-minute display includes a number of extraordinary manoeuvres, including a 'tailslide' and thrust-vectoring sequences.

US Air Force 1st Fighter Wing

The Raptor will be operating into Farnborough from RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire.

The F-22 had been due to display there over the weekend at the Royal International Air Tattoo, but that event was cancelled due to poor weather conditons.

Readers of Armed Forces International are advised that the F-22 will only be appearing at Farnborough on Monday.

This is the first time the aircraft has visited Europe, either for a military exercise or a public air show.

The aircraft, plus two support aircraft, belong to the US Air Force 1st Fighter Wing based at Langley, Virginia.

The F-22's first overseas deployment occurred in 2007, when the aircraft was deployed to Kadena Air Force Base in Japan.

Farnborough Airshow

Farnborough is one of the world's leading aerospace trade airshows.

Organised by the Society of British Aerospace Companies (SBAC), a trade group, the show this year celebrates its 60th anniversary.

Taking place every two years, the show generates a huge amount of business as military air arms discuss deals and sign contracts with suppliers.

The show runs until next Sunday, with the public being admitted next weekend.

Further information can be found here.

Source - Armed Forces International's Aviation Expert

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