The career of the most technologically advanced fighter aircraft in the world - the F-22 Raptor - has progressed, with the recent deployment of five USAF Raptors to Guam.

Stealth Technology, Thrust Vectoring

The F-22 is an air superiority aircraft incorporating stealth technology and featuring thrust vectoring. According to the USAF, it is unmatched by any other in-service combat aircraft, or any known type currently on the design board.

Farnborough Airshow

Three examples of the Raptor recently flew to Europe - with one of them appearing at the Farnborough Airshow.

Now, the USAF has just completed its second type deployment, after a trip in 2007 to the island of Okinawa, Japan.

This time, the Raptors - based at Alaska's Elmendorf Air Force Base - were deployed to Guam - the sortie lasting from July 18^th to August 2^nd.

Raptor Pilots, Ground Crew

The USAF pilots and ground crew accompanying the aircraft to Guam were given the opportunity to get used to operating the Raptor in an unfamiliar climate.

Simultaneously, the deployment also provided countries in the Asia-Pacific region with an indication of the importance of the area to the US, as Major Lance Hobson explained:

"Guam is a very strategic location", he said.

"There's always potential for instability in the region. By exercising our forward presence in a place like Guam, it gives us better capability and demonstrates our dedication to the region."

Bombing Missions

During the deployment, the Raptors took part in bombing missions, with 20 weapons dropped on a designated target area in the region.

The USAF ultimately plans to acquire 183 Raptors - each one costing about $160 million.

Source - Armed Forces International's Aviation Expert

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