Software error delays F-22s’ Japan trip - Air Force News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Air Force Times

Software error delays F-22s’ Japan trip

NAHA, Japan — The arrival of the newest U.S. stealth fighter, the F-22A Raptor, in Okinawa for temporary deployment at the Kadena Air Base will likely be delayed due to a problem with the navigation system software, the Air Force said Tuesday.

The fighters were initially scheduled to arrive in Kadena on Saturday, but their arrival was delayed to Sunday due to bad weather. They then took off from Hickam Air Force Base in Hawaii on Sunday but returned midway.

It is still unknown how long the arrival will be delayed. But the Air Force said its ground mechanics are working to fix the problem and that the deployment will be implemented as planned.

Under the plan, 12 Raptors from Langley Air Force Base, Va., will be stationed in Kadena for 90 to 120 days, the first time the newest stealth fighter will be fielded on a base outside the U.S. The deployment will involve 260 personnel, including about 20 pilots.

Their activities will include drills with Air Force units at Misawa Air Base and in South Korea.

The F-22A Raptor was developed as a successor to the F-15 fighter. It went into service in December 2005.