COBI Lockheed F-22 Raptor Set 5855

COBI's Lockheed F-22 Raptor is a 1:48 model built from 695 blocks, 39.5 cm long, produced under licence. New bricks were made for the nose section and the canted tail fins. The cockpit opens for a detailed pilot figure with oxygen mask, brick bombs sit in an opening weapons bay, and the landing gear detaches for the included stand with its plate and US flag. All markings are printed; no stickers.

Nobody else is allowed to have one

The F-22 has never been sold abroad and never will be. In 1998 the United States Congress passed what became known as the Obey Amendment, which forbids the export of the aircraft to any country, with no exception and no procedure for granting one.

Japan and Australia both asked. Both were refused. The reasoning was that the Raptor's stealth shaping, its radar-absorbent coatings and its sensor fusion represented a lead the United States did not want to risk leaking — not even to close allies who operate American equipment in every other category.

The consequence was that only 187 combat aircraft were built, against an original plan for 750. With no export customers to spread the development cost, the per-aircraft price was extraordinary and the programme was ended early. The production line has been closed since 2012 and cannot realistically be restarted.

Supercruise

The Raptor's other distinguishing feature is the ability to fly above the speed of sound without afterburner. Every other fighter needs afterburner to go supersonic, which burns fuel at a rate that limits the dash to minutes. The F-22 can hold about Mach 1.5 on dry thrust, indefinitely — which changes what a supersonic aircraft can actually do rather than merely how fast it can go.

Specifications

Pieces: 695 · Figures: 1 pilot · Scale: 1:48 · Opening weapons bay · No stickers
Model dimensions: 39.5 × 28 × 11.5 cm (15.5 × 11.0 × 4.5 in)