[A.A. Cunningham]

I’m guessing much of that is maintaining the RCS(sic).

RAM

[RFEngineer]

“RAM”

There is much more to maintaining RCS (that’s what you call it...) configuration than the materials themselves, of which “RAM” is only part of it.

Every single hatch, door, rivet, screw has to be treated to maintain the RCS.

Sometimes RCS is not so much about controlling the magnitude (though lower magnitude is always sought) as it is controlling the direction in which it “spikes”.

All of these things are part of maintaining RCS - much much more than just materials.

It takes time (as measured in maintenance per flight hour) but usually improves significantly as it goes, like other aspects of the platform.

That said, I’m not generally a fan of the F-22 on cost alone. The same avionics, engines, and other efforts could be integrated into an F15 platform at a far lower cost, reducing the F22 buy and resulting in more aircraft and a more effective force (in my opinion)

I can go into more (unclass) detail if you wish to know. I used to do this for a living.