The Number of F/A-22s Set at 183:
USAF officials say the QDR will limit F/A-22 Raptor production to 183 aircraft (number corrected from 185 following official USAF briefing on 12/13/05). They plan to extend the production line—allowing a peak rate of 20 per year. Stretching the program this way will enable them to bridge the gap to start of F-35 Joint Strike Fighter production, but they admit it will drive the per unit cost of the Raptor higher.
Air Force depots are not typically meant for quick repair jobs, but during Operation Epic Fury, the service moved some of its stateside heavy maintenance capability forward to fix battle-damaged aircraft closer to the fight.
