Raptor Wins Aprroval For Full Rate Output

Awsome piece of machinery.

WASHINGTON, April 1 (Reuters) - Lockheed Martin Corp.'s F/A-22 stealthy fighter jet won approval for full-rate production from a key Pentagon panel this week, although it still faces major budget cuts under the Bush administration's fiscal 2006 budget plan.

The Pentagon's Defense Acquisition Board met on Tuesday and approved the results of a series of initial operational tests of the F/A-22, or "Raptor," clearing Lockheed to accelerate production of the aircraft, sources familiar with the decision said on Friday.

One source familiar with the matter said the move to full-rate production was a sort of "seal of approval" for the aircraft, which can fly at supersonic speeds for prolonged distances.