I searched, didnt find. though I assume these must have been posted…
sigh nowhere near as purdy as WWII birds, but i guess it is pretty cool, all it’s capabilities and everything. Thanks for the look!
has anyone else noticed that for a combat aircraft this things Low Vis gray scheme seems to have a metalic luster too it? almost like it was finished off with a gloss coat
Thanks for the pics BTW
Cool shots, ares. It makes me want to finish the one I have sitting on my bench! That metallic gray finish looks like a beast to reproduce – glad I am finishing mine in the flat grays of the roll-out model “001”:
All I can say is… Jets Are For Kids[:p][;)]
Purdy cool…!!
Flaps up, Mike
Are they operational already? That one has the “First Fighter” squadrons tail code. It does make you want to build one though, doesn’t it?
Nice pics, thanks for sharing.
I have to confess I never really cared for the Raptor’s looks, a bit too slab sided for my liking. As the new generation of fighters go, I’m keener on the Gripen and Rafale, they look to have more finish in their designs. The Raptor and Eurofighter make me want to get out a sanding block and smooth out the sharp edges a bit.
These pictures do bring a question to mind; I though part of the reason the YF-23 didn’t win the ATF competition was because of a nagging contrail problem off the wing tips when it rolled. Said to have spoiled the stealth of it or something like that.
If thats the case, what are those two huge contrails coming off the Raptor’s fins all about? You could see those a mile away! 
You can tell I was hoping for the YF-23 in that competition, can’t you? 
Thanks again for the pics.
Some very nice pics, thanks. Doesn’t make me want to build one, but only if I could fly [:D]
[#ditto]
I’ve had no interest in this plane - but after seeing those pics, I just have to have one.
What a fantastic paint scheme!!
Thanks for the pics, mate.
When I first saw the F-22 ithought it was sort of ungainly looking, and that the YF-23 was a far more interesting looking plane. But the F-22 does grow on you.
Nice pics. Thanks for posting.
Regards, Rick
No not really, I just don’t think the new birds have the classic lines of the old birds that tend to show class, power, and beauty in their designs. I’m an old fart, what did you expect.
word is they put an overcoat on it; perhaps just for publicity shots. I mean; these arent likely to see combat for a little while yet; and even when they do, last I checked, no F15 has ever been shot down; the F22 really doesnt even need all this stealth. though its good to always have it available.
anyway, my point. not suprised at all that they would put a clear coat on it to make it look pretty. its not too far off of those fancy hummers with the expensive sound system that the army always brings on my college campus to attract new recruits.
heres 2 shots the more nastalgic members might enjoy.
Now that’s what I’m talking about ! I can hear the roar of that big merlin now.
lol, can we not design a plane with good looks and “soul” anymore?
That thing just has nothing atractive about it.
I don’t care what powers it, a merlin makes a sound you can “connect” with, is it just me,lol
It’s a lot like riding a HARLEY sounds mean, looks good, and always, always, classic.
upnorth: According to a docu I saw on Discovery Channel, YF-23 lost because the team couldn’t get it to do a vertical take off without stripping it of some major components, including parts needed for supersonic flight, and if memory serves, a lot of weaponry. The YF-22 did not have to be stripped, and could perform a vertical take-off and supersonic in the same flight.
ares: it sure does make me wanna build one – a few weeks ago my local hobby shop had Dragon’s 1:72 kits of the YF-22 and YF-23, so I took both home with me. One day they’ll be side by side on my shelf.
Uh, you’re thinking of the Joint Strike Fighter.
Neither the F-22 or the YF-23 had VTOL capability, nor were they required to.
Desdinova,
by “vertical take off” they were refering to going into a vertical climb right after take off. The g-forces these planes were subjected to after such a manover where too much for the airframe of the 23.