The F/A-22 Raptor started follow-on operational testing and evaluation Monday at Kirtland AFB, N.M. Among the tests being conducted by the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center are the capability of the Raptor to perform in the air-to-ground role and the transportability of F/A-22 support personnel and equipment via C-17s. As part of this phase of testing, AFOTEC will evaluate seven Raptors at Nellis AFB, Nev., White Sands Missile Range, N.M., and the Utah Test and Training Range, near Hill AFB, Utah, through late fall.
Lockheed Martin’s proposed autonomous drone, called Vectis, is still on track to fly a prototype by the end of 2027, an official from the company’s Skunk Works division said Sept. 10, and the firm already started work on four more Vectis aircraft.
