The final Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor rolled off the assembly line from production facility at Marietta, Georgia, on December 14 and was commemorated with a ceremony recognising contributions from thousands of people associated with the design and construction of the Raptor fleet.

This F-22 Raptor (Lockheed Martin tail number 4195) now moves into production flight check and will deliver to the US Air Force in 2012, completing the operational fleet at 187 jets.

“This event honours the many men and women of Team Raptor who have taken this plane from concept to reality,” said Jeff Babione, Vice President and General Manager for Lockheed Martin’s F-22 programme. “For the last 17 years, regardless of the challenges, they always remained singularly focused, delivering the world’s greatest fighter. Each Raptor – from the first jet to last jet – is a reflection of the dedication, hard work and professionalism of our workforce.”

Operational F-22s are based at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia; Elmendorf AFB, Alaska; Holloman AFB, New Mexico; and Hickam AFB, Hawaii. Air Force F-22 units have deployed to Kadena Air Base, Japan, and Andersen AFB, Guam, as part of rotational deployments designed to enhance security in the Pacific theatre. The Raptor has conducted joint and coalition training both stateside and overseas in locations including the United Arab Emirates.

Lockheed Martin partners with the US Air Force to ensure Raptor availability, performance and reliability, and to enhance the aircraft’s capabilities to keep it ahead of emerging and proliferating threats.