Ford To Auction One-Off, 545-Horsepower F-22 Raptor

The unique F-22 version of the tremendously popular Ford F-150 Raptor truck will be an enormously popular highlight of the Gathering of Eagles auction. — Dave Chaimson, EAA

For the past nine years, Ford Motor Company partnered with the Experimental Aircraft Association to support the group’s Young Eagles program, dedicated to giving young people their first flight. For its 10^th year supporting the program, Ford is switching things up a big with a one-of-a-kind F-22-themed 2017 F-150 Raptor.

“Ford’s support of EAA and AirVenture has allowed thousands of young people to discover, enjoy, and pursue aviation,” Dave Chaimson, EAA’s vice president of marketing and business development, said. “The unique F-22 version of the tremendously popular Ford F-150 Raptor truck will be an enormously popular highlight of the Gathering of Eagles auction, and we’re very grateful for Ford’s support for our initiatives.”

This F-150 Raptor is a new look at Ford’s tradition of building unique vehicles in support of EAA’s youth aviation programs. — Melvin Betancourt, Ford

Calling on Lockheed’s F-22 Raptor fighter jet for inspiration, Ford design manager Melvin Betancourt and the crew at Ford Performance added a number of custom features to the already impressive EcoBoost Raptor. Those mods include custom wheels, upgraded brakes, carbon-fiber bodywork, LED lighting, and a Whipple intercooler, which helps elevate the power of the 3.5-liter engine to 545 horsepower.

“This F-150 Raptor is a new look at Ford’s tradition of building unique vehicles in support of EAA’s youth aviation programs,” Melvin said. “We know this truck will create an unmatched buzz around this year’s Gathering of Eagles auction.”

So far, these unique Ford vehicles have raised over $3 million for the Young Eagles, which has helped the program offer flights to over 2 million young people. This one-off F-22 Raptor will hit the auction block at the annual Gathering of Eagles at the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2017 on Thursday July 27 in the hopes of adding to that tally. You can bid in person or over the phone during the auction if you prequalify with EAA’s development office at (800) 236-1025 or gathering@eaa.org.