This "Mission Capable" rating is part of AFOTEC's newly developed system now being applied to programs under test at AFOTEC. The new rating methodology starts with traditional effectiveness and suitability measures as a foundation for determining potential operational impacts on mission accomplishment in the expected operational environment.

This new methodology was developed by AFOTEC in an effort to provide warfighters and senior Air Force leaders with capability-based evaluations that are accurate, balanced, and more operationally focused.

The capabilities evaluated during the operational test included the areas of deployability, sortie generation, and Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) employment. The test also evaluated deferred Initial Operational Test and Evaluation items that were corrected and informed Air Combat Command's Initial Operational Capability declaration.

"This was a significant milestone in terms of validating the F-22A's combat capability," said Major General Robin Scott, AFOTEC commander. "We are confident we have provided Air Combat Command and senior Air Force leaders with an accurate and complete picture not only of the Raptor's impressive operational capabilities but also where additional resources can be focused to further mature and sustain this 21st Century fighter."

According to Col Matthew Black, AFOTEC's Detachment 6 commander at Nellis AFB, Nev., that conducted the FOT&E, "It was the outstanding teamwork between AFOTEC and ACC testers that enabled us to conduct the most complex operational test ever on a tactical aircraft."

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