The US Air Force has brought back into service a fifth-generation F-22 Raptor fighter jet that was repaired after a crash in 2018

The F-22 Raptor fifth-generation fighter has returned to Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, after a lengthy overhaul. The aircraft has the tail number AF-07-146.

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In April 2018, the F-22 Raptor 3rd Wing fighter was damaged in a failed takeoff in Nevada. The aircraft was in critical condition and was sent for repairs. It took nearly five years to restore the fifth-generation fighter.

The F-22 returned to Elmendorf-Richardson base. US Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Philip Johnson also arrived there. He is a pilot with 514 Flight Test Squadron at Hill Base, Utah.

On May 4, Philip Johnson flew a test flight on the recovered aircraft. The lieutenant colonel said minor faults were detected during the flight, but these will be corrected.

The press release states that the restoration of the F-22 with flight number AF-07-146 is an important step for the 3rd Wing and for the capabilities of the entire US Air Force. Since then, 187 F-22s have been produced, but only 100 are in combat condition. The last fighter rolled off the assembly line at the end of 2011.

Source: DVIDS