The F-22 Raptor is as of 2009 the most modern fighter in operational service. It is more advanced than any other operational aircraft in many ways including upgraded detection capabilities and vectored thrust maneuvering. The F-22`s biggest achieve ment may be its stealth capabilities something previously limited to bomber aircraft. The Raptor has an incredibly small radar profile allowing it to sneak past potential hostile defenses but this necessitates an internalized weapons rack that decre ases total payload and the stealth construction increases maintenance requirements. Cost and design aside the F-22 has proven itself extremely useful in both real-word and simulated combat exercises.A painstakingly detailed finish and quality constr uction make this model of the most modern fighter to date a must-have for any collector