F-22A 04-4070 is the second of two aircraft belonging to the 422 Test and Evaluation Squadron (TES) that have been seen wearing a special mirror-like finish. The first sighting of 04-4070 took place on March 17, 2022 at Nellis AFB. As to the purpose of this new covering, there is only speculation at this point. Stealth?

Designed to meet a US Air Force requirement for an Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF) to replace the F-15 Eagle, the F-22 was first flown on September 29th, 1990. The USAF's ATF program aimed to produce a fifth-generation air superiority fighter that would be better matched against emerging new aircraft such as the Su-27 Flanker. The F-22 uses stealth technology and can function in air superiority, ground attack, intelligence and electronic warfare roles. Despite its capabilities, the F-22 program was relatively short-lived; by 2010 its high cost coupled with the development of the F-35 (a more versatile and less expensive aircraft) led to a cessation of F-22 production funding.

Hobby Master's 1:72 scale F-22 Raptor is constructed almost entirely in diecast metal with near-seamless construction. The cockpit has an articulating hinged smoke-colored canopy that closes with almost no visible gap and opens to reveal a detailed interior with side-mounted fly-by-wire joystick, throttle controls, ejection seat and pad-printed digital display screens. The stabalators are movable, and the under-wing mounted fuel tanks are removable. The landing gear are constructed as complete subassemblies for quick configuration, and a full complement of configurable ordnance exposes structural details when configured in the deployed position.

Info: F-22A Raptor - USAF 422nd TES, #04-4070 Symbiote, Nellis AFB, NV, November 2021, Mirror Paint Finish