F/A-22 pilots deployed from Langley AFB, Va., to Utah (DR, 10/17/05) expressed their enthusiasm for the new stealthy fighter to a reporter from the Hampton Roads (Va.) Daily Press, saying they want to dominate every fight. “If I can blow up a threat before he knows I’m here, that’s what I want,” Maj. Chuck Corcoran told the Press. He added, “This plane can go places that an aluminum plane just can’t. With the F-15, we’ll probably both get a shot.” Lt. Col. Jim Hecker agreed, telling the Press, “We want to win every fight 59-0.”
The Air Force plans to add external weapons pylons on the B-1B bomber, both to increase the number of aircraft that can test hypersonic missiles and expand the Lancer’s loadout as USAF transitions to the B-21 bomber.