ACC approves Raptor demonstration

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Mark Haviland
  • Air Combat Command Public Affairs
LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE (ACCNS) --  Maj. Paul "Max" Moga and the world's only fifth-generation fighter aircraft may be appearing at an airshow near you this season.

Following a 12-minute performance here April 27, Air Combat Command officials gave Major Moga and his F-22A Raptor demonstration the official seal of approval.

The evaluation and approval process is something every Air Force aerial demonstration team - from single aircraft demos to the Thunderbirds - must complete.
"Safety is paramount," said Col. Eric Best, ACC's director of flight operations. "It's important for our teams to demonstrate the capabilities of Air Force airpower to the American public, but we fail in that mission if we don't put safety first."

For Major Moga, the approval means he gets a chance to show off the aerial maneuverability of the world's most advanced fighter aircraft.

"They're going to see some pretty amazing stuff out there," the major said. "We want to show people that this aircraft is more advanced and more capable than anything else in the world."

The major's challenge comes from the fact that many of the elements that make the aircraft a fifth-generation fighter - stealth, supercruise, integrated avionics and improved supportability - can't be demonstrated at an airshow.

"What we can show them is the maneuverability," he said. "The maneuvers look absolutely crazy, but I'm always in complete control of the aircraft."

Those maneuvers - courtesy of vectored thrust technology - help give the F-22A Raptor and pilots like Major Moga the advantage they need to establish and maintain air dominance.

"There's a huge public interest in seeing the Raptor," said Colonel Best, "We're all very proud to be showcasing its capabilities this season."

The ACC F-22A single-ship demonstration team begins its official season here April 27-29 as part of the 1st Fighter Wing's "AirPower over Hampton Roads" event. Information about additional appearances is available on the ACC Aerial Events public Web page.