A state-of-the-art US air force F-22 plane has crashed in the southern California desert, killing the pilot.
A state-of-the-art US air force F-22 plane has crashed in the southern California desert, killing the pilot.
The F-22 Raptor, regarded as one of the world's most sophisticated fighter jets, was on a test mission when it came down near Edwards Air Force Base.
The F-22 Raptor, regarded as one of the world's most sophisticated fighter jets, was on a test mission when it came down near Edwards Air Force Base.
The veteran pilot was initially reported as missing, but the manufacturer, Lockheed Martin, later said he had been killed.
The veteran pilot was initially reported as missing, but the manufacturer, Lockheed Martin, later said he had been killed.
The cause of the crash is unclear. And an investigation is under way.
The cause of the crash is unclear, and an investigation is under way.
The F-22 crashed at about 1000 local time (1700 GMT).
The F-22 crashed at about 1000 local time (1700 GMT).
The air force said it has "better reliability and maintainability than any fighter aircraft in history".
The air force said it has "better reliability and maintainability than any fighter aircraft in history".
But the $65bn F-22 programme has faced criticism, with opponents saying the jet is too costly and not sufficiently versatile.
But the $65bn F-22 programme has faced criticism, with opponents saying the jet is too costly and not sufficiently versatile.
The US government is committed to buying 183 F-22s, reduced from the original plan laid out in the 1980s to build 750, the Associated Press news agency reported.
The US government is committed to buying 183 F-22s, reduced from the original plan laid out in the 1980s to build 750, the Associated Press news agency reported.
The air force said the crash was the second involving an F-22.
The air force said the crash was the second involving an F-22.
In the previous crash, which happened in December 2004 during the aircraft's test period, the pilot ejected safely.
In the previous crash, which happened in December 2004 during the aircraft's test period, the pilot ejected safely.
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