Lockheed Martin completes work on first F-22 Raptor at Speedline facility

Lockheed Martin said in a recent release that it completed work on the first of three F-22 Raptors sent to its Inlet Coating Repair (ICR) Speedline facility in Georgia and the aircraft was delivered to the Air Force ahead of schedule.

Periodic maintenance is needed to maintain the special exterior coatings that contribute to the Raptor's Very Low Observable (VLO) radar cross-section, Lockheed Martin said in the release.

"The inlet coatings work, coupled with future improved low observable materials and repair improvements, is a critical part of increasing the 325th Fighter Wing's repair capacity and combat readiness,” Lt. Col. Argie Moore with the 325th Maintenance Group said in the release.

Lockheed Martin was contracted in 2016 on behalf of the U.S. Air Force to perform the work a total of 12 aircraft and a follow-up on contract is anticipated, Lockheed said. In addition, Lockheed is providing modification support services, analytical condition inspections, radar cross section turntable support and antenna calibration, the release said.

“Lockheed Martin works closely with the U.S. Air Force to integrate a total life-cycle systems management process to ensure the Raptor fleet is ready to perform its mission,” the release said.