There may be no better fighter in history or currently flying than the Lockheed Martin F22 Raptor. Designed as an air superiority fighter to replace the F15 Eagle, the Raptor combines advanced sensors, stealth, and exquisite flight controls and thrust vectoring into a lethal platform.

On this episode, retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Terry “Stretch” Scott joins us to describe the Raptor’s amazing features, weapons, performance, and more. He also helps answer a listener question on what it’s like to fly a fighter during extended ocean crossings, often lasting 12 hours or more!

Returning to the show as a guest cohost is episode 59 star Dave “Chip” Berke, retired U.S. Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel and former F22 exchange pilot. During the listener question segment, he discusses historical paradigms of aircraft design, what is included when discussing the bomb weight classes, how to handle not getting your first choice in flight school, and the difference between blue and green / brown water flight operations.

At the end of the episode we say goodbye and thank you to Sunshine, who hangs up his cohost hat as his day job demands more of his time and attention. Fair winds, shipmate!

Episode artwork photo credit to Daniel Vorbach. Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell. This episode was produced by our friends at The MuscleCar Place Podcast Network.