Ford has built a one-off, 2017 F-150 Raptor with an aeronautical theme for a charity auction for the Experimental Aircraft Association’s annual Gathering of Eagles fundraiser. The truck is dubbed the “F-22 Raptor” in an obvious hat-tip to the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor stealth tactical fighter jet. The F-150 sports several modifications, including a grille with the F22’s silhouette, off-road lights, a custom graphics package, a larger wheel and tire setup, and modifications to the EcoBoost engine giving it 545 horsepower.

Ford design manager, Melvin Betancourt, headed the build with backing from the Ford Performance Team, meaning this isn’t some aftermarket hack job. “This F-150 Raptor is a new look at Ford’s tradition of building unique vehicles in support of EAA’s youth aviation programs,” Betancourt says. “We know this truck will create an unmatched buzz around this year’s Gathering of Eagles auction.” Last year, Ford built a Shelby GT350 Mustang called Ole Yeller to pay homage to the P-51D Mustang fighter from WWII. That car raised $295,000. This year’s F-150 F-22 Raptor goes under the gavel on Thursday, July 27 at the EAA’s AirVenture aircraft show in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. All proceeds will help inspire and educate youth about flying.

Continue reading for info on the F-150 F-22 Raptor.

What Makes the 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor Special?

Ford started with a bone-stock 2017 F-150 Raptor SuperCab. This already-capable pickup was then given a mild lift kit, Falken Wildpeak M/T tires mounted on beadlock wheels. Larger fender flairs crafted from carbon fiber were added, along with performance brakes for better stopping power. Further adding to its off-road capabilities are nine driving lights mounted above the windshield and a bed-mounted spare tire rack with an integrated toolbox and protection hoop around the rear window.

Of course, Ford didn’t let the Raptor’s 3.5-liter, high-output EcoBoost V-6 go unchanged. The engine was given 95 extra horsepower thanks to a Whipple intercooler and other go-fast parts and ECU tuning. The result pushes horsepower from 450 to an impressive 545. Torque specs weren’t reviled, but expect more than the stock 510 pound-feet.

Aesthetically, the most important update is the Lockheed Martin F-22-themed graphics. The truck’s base silver paint is accented by black stripes on the hood and sides, complete with an F-22 graphic highlighted in red. The F-150’s grille is reworked, forgoing the typical RAPTOR font for an image of the F-22 Raptor coming head-on.

Around back, the Raptor’s optional tailgate appliqué is reworked with the F-22 logo and twin eagle heads. The F-150 Raptor’s beefy tow hooks are painted red, matching the red accents on the F-22 logo and straps securing the twin spare tires. Last but not least, the side mirror caps have an F-22 jet glowing in radioactive green.

So, what do you think about these mechanical and cosmetic changes to the F-150 Raptor? Would you like Ford to offer these engine upgrades through its Ford Performance network? Let us know in the comments below.

Read our full review on the 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor here.