Ending F-22A Production: Costs and Industrial Base Implications of Alternative Options

Abstract : The U.S. Air Force's F-22A Raptor is the world's most advanced fighter aircraft. Currently, Congress has authorized the procurement of 187 F-22As. The final production funding for the program of record is in fiscal year (FY) 2009, with the last delivery about two years later. After this, the Air Force will continue with contracts that provide for some modernization and sustainment work but no new production. Since Congress has prohibited the sale of the F-22A to other countries, there are no options to keep the production line active. RAND Project AIR FORCE was asked to evaluate various scenarios for the time that fullrate production is no longer an option.