US Air Force Awards $70Mln Contract to Increase F-22 Raptor Flying Hours

The US military awarded Lockheed Martin nearly $70 million to add flying hours to the F-22 Raptor fighter jet.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The US military awarded defense contractor Lockheed Martin nearly $70 million to add flying hours to the F-22 Raptor fighter jet, the US Air Force stated in a press release.

“[Lockheed Martin] has been awarded a $68,612,500 unpriced change order modification… for increased F-22 flying hours,” the release, issued on Monday, said.

The contract calls for Lockheed Martin to boost the F-22’s flying hours by December 31, 2015, the release added.

The F-22 Raptor is the only fifth generation fighter jet in the world that is fully operational, according to Lockheed Martin. The jet includes the most advanced stealth technology and highly-integrated computer systems.