USAF Air Combat Command is to receive its first FA-22 Raptor fighter on 17 January. However, cost overruns in the F-22 program could reach $700 million (out of a $20 billion development program). This is fueling Congressional pressure to cut the purchase from 295 aircraft to 180. The Air Force is planning to use cost savings from the faster-than-expected test program and built-in financial reserves to cover as much of the overrun as they can. --Stephen V Cole