The USAF developed a requirement for a new air superiority fighter to replace the F-15 Eagle. Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF). The aircraft is constructed using 39% titanium, 24% composite material, 16% aluminum and 1% thermoplastic by weight. All these components contribute to the F-22 being a light weight, extremely maneuverable, extremely fast aircraft that uses stealth technology. The F-22 is also capable of ground attack, electronic warfare and signals intelligence.
F-22A Raptor 03-4064 c/n 645-4046 joined the 27th FS on July 28, 2005 and then was assigned to the 94th FS in January 2007. Three years later on July 9, 2010, the aircraft was transferred to the 19th FS “Gamecocks / Mytai Fighters” of the 15th Wing. The 19th FS had been based at Elmendorf AFB in Alaska beginning in 1994 until 2010 when it became part of the 15th Wing stationed at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. The 15th Wing is an associate unit with the Hawaii Air National Guard 199th FS.