YF-22A brings in $25,000 for museum move Published May 27, 2015 By Rebecca Amber Staff writer EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Air Force Flight Test Museum accepted a $25,000 donation to sponsor their YF-22A from the Bechtel Corporation May 21. The Flight Test Historical Foundation has 80 aircraft available for corporate sponsorship in their prospectus. Each aircraft is assigned a sponsorship level based on its size and historical significance. The funds are put towards the museum's capital campaign to move outside of the West Gate. Bechtel is the first to take advantage of the opportunity to sponsor a plane. "This is just a unique airplane," said Dr. Richard Tighe, Bechtel manager of Strategy Marketing and Business Development. "It's so tangible and meaningful when we see the Bechtel name and logo on the plaque there." Brian Sheridan, Bechtel principal vice president and general manager of Defense and Security, presented the check to the foundation's chairwoman, Lisa Gray, in front of the YF-22A. The YF-22A was Lockheed Martin's entry in the Advanced Tactical Fighter demonstration and validation program in the early 90s, later becoming the F-22 Raptor. "Bechtel has long been a supporter of our armed forces and NASA, and big believers in technology and educating young people about what we've done in the past and what our scientists and engineers are capable of doing in the future," said Sheridan. Bechtel is a global engineering, project management and construction company. Additionally, they serve the Department of Defense, NASA and the Department of Energy. "It's important for us to educate the American people what our Air Force has done, what past generations have done," said Sheridan. "It's also a great tribute to the pilots and those over the generations that have risked their lives pushing the envelope on what the technology is capable of doing." The Flight Test Historical Foundation needs $7 million to relocate outside of the West Gate. According to Gray, the foundation has raised the first million dollars, the minimum amount needed to break ground. Their next step is to present their offer to the Air Force and wait for approval. For more information about how to sponsor a plane at the Air Force Flight Test Museum, visit http://afftcmuseum.org/get-involved/sponsor-airplane/