FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 2, 2000
Contact: Seth Morris or Beth Daley 202-347-1122

Retired Colonel Riccioni has never spoken publicly on the F-22 or other weapons systems in spite of his legendary reputation as a fighter jet designer and Pentagon insider. This briefing is an unprecedented opportunity to learn from a knowledgeable expert about the F-22. Col. Riccioni will explore the following questions:

• Will the F-22 significantly improve U.S. air superiority?


• Will the F-22's “stealth” work? Will the aircraft be capable of true “supercruise”?


• Will the F-22's high cost prevent the military from maintaining an adequate number of aircraft?

On May 26, the House Appropriations Committee approved $2.1 billion for the production of ten F-22's. In the coming weeks, Congress will decide the fate of the F-22.

WHEN: Thursday, June 8th, 2000, 8:30 - 10:00 a.m.

WHERE: Old Ebbitt Grill, Cabinet Room, 675 15th Street, NW
Complimentary buffet breakfast will be served.

WHO: Air Force Colonel Everest Riccioni
Colonel Riccioni pioneered supersonic cruise technology in the 1970s and the Lightweight Fighter Program. He was one of the three legendary “Fighter Mafia” mavericks who forced the Pentagon to produce the F-16 to improve the military’s air superiority. Having served in the Air Force for 30 years, he completed several stints as a fighter pilot and flew 55 different types of military aircraft over his career. He worked for Northrop Corporation for 17 years managing aircraft programs, including managing operational studies on the B-2 bomber. In recent years until his 1997 retirement, Riccioni consulted with the GAO, the U.S. Navy, and the Air Force.

RSVP:By Wednesday, June 7th at 2:00 pm (please attend anyway if you do not RSVP and learn later that you can join us) by calling POGO’s Seth Morris at 202-347-1122.

POGO: Founded in 1981, the Project On Government Oversight made outrageously overpriced spare parts such as the $7,600 coffee maker and the $1,000 pair of pliers household words. POGO’s mission is to investigate, expose, and remedy abuses of power, mismanagement, and subservience by the federal government to special interests.

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