11/9/2012 - F-22 Raptors take off from Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, during an Initial Operational Capability (IOC) certification Nov. 8. The F-22 engines produce more thrust than any current fighter engine. The combination of sleek aerodynamic design and increased thrust allows the F-22 to cruise at supersonic airspeeds without using afterburner. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Lauren Main)

11/9/2012 - An F-22 Raptor takes off from Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, during an Initial Operational Capability (IOC) certification Nov. 8. The F-22 engines produce more thrust than any current fighter engine. The combination of sleek aerodynamic design and increased thrust allows the F-22 to cruise at supersonic airspeeds without using afterburner. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Lauren Main)

11/9/2012 - An F-22 Raptor takes off from Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, during an Initial Operational Capability (IOC) certification Nov. 8. The F-22 will have better reliability and maintainability than any fighter aircraft in history. Increased F-22 reliability and maintainability pays off in less manpower required to fix the aircraft and the ability to operate more efficiently. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Lauren Main)

11/9/2012 - An F-22 Raptor takes off from Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, during an Initial Operational Capability (IOC) certification Nov. 8. The F-22 has a significant capability to attack surface targets. In the air-to-ground configuration the aircraft can carry two 1,000-pound GBU-32 Joint Direct Attack Munitions internally and will use on-board avionics for navigation and weapons delivery support. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Lauren Main)

11/9/2012 - An F-22 Raptor pilot gives the "shakka" as he taxis for takeoff from Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, during an Initial Operational Capability (IOC) certification Nov. 8. The F-22 possesses a sophisticated sensor suite allowing the pilot to track, identify, shoot and kill air-to-air threats before being detected. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Lauren Main)

11/9/2012 - An F-22 Raptor pilot taxis for takeoff from Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, during an Initial Operational Capability (IOC) certification Nov. 8. The F-22, a critical component of the Global Strike Task Force, is designed to project air dominance, rapidly and at great distances and defeat threats attempting to deny access to our nation's Air Force, Army, Navy and Marine Corps. The F-22 cannot be matched by any known or projected fighter aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Lauren Main)

11/9/2012 - F-22 Raptors taxi for takeoff from Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, during an Initial Operational Capability (IOC) certification Nov. 8. The F-22 Raptor is the Air Force's newest fighter aircraft. Its combination of stealth, super-cruise, maneuverability, and integrated avionics, coupled with improved supportability, represents an exponential leap in war fighting capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Lauren Main)

11/9/2012 - Maj. Brian Nash, an F-22 instructor pilot with the 19th Fighter Squadron, prepares to fly during an Initial Operational Capability (IOC) certification Nov. 8. The F-22 Raptor is the Air Force's newest fighter aircraft. Its combination of stealth, super-cruise, maneuverability, and integrated avionics, coupled with improved supportability, represents an exponential leap in war fighting capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Lauren Main)

11/9/2012 - F-22 Raptor pilots head for their aircraft before taking off from Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, during an Initial Operational Capability (IOC) certification Nov. 8. The Raptor performs both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions allowing full realization of operational concepts vital to the 21st century Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Lauren Main)