NEWS

Washington DC -- Gen. John P. Jumper, Air Force chief of staff announced today, the redesignation of the F-22 to the F/A-22 at the Air Force Association National Convention in Washington D.C.

To more accurately reflect the F-22’s multi-mission roles and capabilities in contemporary strategic environments, the redesignation will emphasize its transformation from an air superiority fighter into an air dominance, multi-role aircraft capable of precision engagement, in a high threat, anti-access environment.

Advances in technology and emerging Air Force doctrine make today’s Raptor very different from the fighter envisioned when the program was first planned. Developments in technology in the fire control radar and integrated avionics combined with the advent of smaller, very precise munitions create a far more powerful air-to-ground strike system, according to Gen. Jumper.

Also, as concepts of operations for employing the Raptor mature, the USAF plans to employ the system to enable other systems to achieve objectives more swiftly and decisively. These enabled systems include the F-117 and B-2, as well as ground and naval forces.

The Raptor has been transformed, very much in line with Secretary Rumsfeld's priorities, to a multi-mission, joint system that will change the way the United States and its allies conduct war said James G. Roche, Secretary of the Air Force. Therefore, a redesignation will increase the focus on this transformation and allow people to better grasp this overall evolution.

For more information regarding the F/A-22 redesignation, contact Air Force Public Affairs at (703) 695-0640.