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Ford F-22 F-150 Raptor created

One-of-a-kind F-150 Raptor based on US fighter jet is let loose.

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Ford has teamed with Ford Performance to create a one-of-a-kind F-22 F-150 Raptor.

Inspired and based on the US Air Force’s Lockheed Martin F-22 fighter jet, the F-150 Raptor is powered by Ford’s Whipple-intercooled 3.5-litre twin-turbo EcoBoost engine, which pumps out 545 ponies (406kW) and a whopping 660lb-ft (895Nm).

 To prove it’s more than just a show pony, modified Addictive Desert Designs’ front suspension (and bump stop kit) has been slotted underneath. This works in tandem with a Deaver rear spring pack and Fox bypass series shocks – with adjustable compression and rebound damping for on- and off-road work.

The design of the F-150 Raptor was led by Ford design manager Melvin Betancourt, as well as Ford Performance. “Our job – both in the air and on the ground – is to intimidate the competition,” said Betancourt.

The build was left in the trusty hands of Brad and Doug DeBerti from DeBerti Design, and Betancourt said the vision was expertly executed.

“Few things are as streamlined, as gloriously intimidating as the shape, metallic colour and sinister speed a fighter jet represents,” said Betancourt. “The simple, extreme functionality of the cockpit alone proved inspiring, prompting the team to create matte finishes, purposeful gauges, controls for ready proximity and dramatic LED lighting for the instrument panel.”

 Other features of the F-150 Raptor include Innov8 Racing custom-forged beadlock wheels with Falcon Wildpeak tyres; Alcon six-piston painted calipers, with oversized rotors and high-friction pads; modular off-road LEDs by KC Hilites; Kicker audio system; Sherwin-Williams exterior paint integrating F-22 Raptor jet cues, including titanium grille with front silhouette of the aircraft; AMP Research power-retracting steps; DeBerti two-tyre, gas and Pro Eagle jack holder; LineX sprayed bedliner; all-stainless-steel cat-back Borla exhaust system with carbon-fibre tips; and DeBerti carbon-fibre fender flares, hood and fender vents. The paint was hand-cut and polished to a mirror finish by Independent Detail.

The high-performance Raptor was auctioned at the Experimental Aircraft Association AirVenture Oshkosh gathering, and it raised $300,000 for the group’s ‘Young Eagles’.

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