From the vault of the immense military arsenal of the US Air Force, F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightening are two very advanced Fighter Jets developed by Lockheed Martin.
Stealth multirole Jets equipped with latest technology and advanced avionics, these jets have similar capabilities but were designed for different objectives and mission sets and have key differences in their design and competence.
F-22 Raptor vs F-35 Lightning II Comparison
The F-22 Raptor and the F-35 Lightning II are two of the most advanced fighter jets in the world. While both aircraft are designed for stealth and superior air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities, they have different roles and capabilities that make them unique.
The F-22 Raptor was designed primarily as an air superiority fighter, with the ability to engage enemy aircraft at long ranges and high speeds. The F-35 Lightning II, on the other hand, was designed as a multirole fighter, capable of performing air-to-air, air-to-ground, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.
In terms of performance, the F-22 Raptor has a higher top speed (approximately Mach 2.25) and can climb higher and faster than the F-35 Lightning II. The F-35, however, has a longer range and a more advanced sensor and communications suite, making it better suited for network-centric warfare and joint operations with other aircraft and ground forces.
Both aircraft are highly maneuverable, but the F-22 Raptor has a slight edge in terms of agility and the ability to perform tight turns and high-G maneuvers. The F-35, however, has a smaller radar cross-section and more advanced stealth technology, making it harder to detect and track by enemy radar systems.
Another key difference between the two aircraft is their cost. The F-22 Raptor is significantly more expensive than the F-35 Lightning II, with a unit cost of approximately $150 million compared to the F-35’s unit cost of approximately $89 million. The F-22 also has a smaller production run, with only 195 aircraft produced compared to the F-35’s planned production run of over 3,000 aircraft.
F-22 Raptor vs F-35 Lightning II
Here’s a data table comparing the F-22 Raptor and the F-35 Lightning II:
| F-22 Raptor | F-35 Lightning II | |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Lockheed Martin | Lockheed Martin |
| Role | Air superiority fighter | Multirole fighter |
| First flight | 1997 | 2006 |
| Introduction | 2005 | 2015 |
| Unit cost | US$150 million (flyaway cost, as of 2009) | US$89.2 million (F-35A, as of 2021) |
| US$115.5 million (F-35B, as of 2021) | ||
| US$108.8 million (F-35C, as of 2021) | ||
| Maximum speed | Mach 2.25 (1,500 mph, 2,410 km/h) | Mach 1.6 (1,200 mph, 1,930 km/h) |
| Range | 1,600 nautical miles (2,900 km) with 2 external tanks | 1,200 nautical miles (2,220 km) |
| Service ceiling | 65,000 feet (20,000 m) | 50,000 feet (15,000 m) |
| Engines | 2 × Pratt & Whitney F119-PW-100 turbofans | 1 × Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 turbofan |
| (F-35A and F-35C) | ||
| 1 × Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-600 turbofan | ||
| (F-35B, Short Takeoff and Vertical Landing) | ||
| Thrust | 35,000 lbf (156 kN) each | 43,000 lbf (191 kN) (F-35A) |
| 40,000 lbf (178 kN) (F-35B) | ||
| 43,000 lbf (191 kN) (F-35C) | ||
| Armament | 1 × 20 mm M61A2 Vulcan Gatling gun | Internal and external hardpoints for |
| missiles, bombs, and other munitions | ||
| (F-35A: 4 internal, F-35B/C: 2 internal) | ||
| Air-to-air and air-to-ground ordnance | ||
| (AIM-120, AIM-9X, GBU-12, GBU-31, etc.) | ||
| Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Length | 62 feet 1 inch (18.92 m) | 51 feet 4 inch (15.67 m) |
| Wingspan | 44 feet 6 inch (13.56 m) | 35 feet 0 inch (10.7 m) |
| Height | 16 feet 8 inch (5.08 m) | 14 feet 8 inch (4.42 m) |
Please note that the cost figures provided are approximate and may vary depending on the specific variant and year. Additionally, the performance characteristics mentioned are approximate values and can vary based on configuration, loadout, and other factors.
Size Comparison Of F-22 and F-35
| CATEGORY | F-22 Raptor | F-35 Lightning II |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 18.9 m – 62.0 ft | 15.6 m – 50.0 ft |
| Height | 5.08 m – 16.8 ft | 4.33 m – 14.2 ft |
| Wingspan | 13.6 m – 45 ft 0 in | 10.7 m – 35 ft 0 in |
| Wing Area | 78.0 m² – 840 sq ft | 42.0 m² – 460 sq ft |
| Power | 2 x 153 kN – 35k lbf | 1 x 190 kN – 43k lbf |
| Weight | 19,700 kg – 43,5k lb | 13,200 kg – 30,2k lb |
F-22 and F-35 Dogfight Rating
| CATEGORY | F-22 Raptor | F-35 Lightning II |
|---|---|---|
| Cannon | GAU-22/A | GAU-22/A |
| Caliber (mm) | 20 mm | 20 mm |
| Muzzle Velocity | 1000 m/s | 1000 m/s |
| Maneuverability | 9,4 | 8,5 |
| Rate of Fire (rpm) | 4200 rpm | 4200 rpm |
| Size Point 10%-30% | 20% | 20% |
| Thrust/Weight Ratio | 1,26 | 1,07 |
| AAM (first) | AIM-9X | AIM-9X |
| Operational range | 0.2 – 50 km | 0.2 – 50 km |
| AAM (second) | AIM-9X | IRIS-T |
| Operational range | 0.2 – 50 km | 0.5 – 30 km |
| Dogfight Rating | 86% | 70% |
Similarity Between F-22 vs F-35
The F-22 and F-35 are both advanced, fifth-generation fighter jets developed by Lockheed Martin for the United States military. While they share some similarities, they also have distinct differences. Here are some points of similarity between the F-22 and F-35:
- Stealth capabilities: Both aircraft incorporate stealth technology to reduce their radar signatures and enhance survivability in hostile environments.
- Sensor fusion: Both jets utilize advanced sensor fusion systems that gather and integrate data from various sensors, allowing pilots to have a comprehensive situational awareness and make informed decisions.
- Advanced avionics: The F-22 and F-35 feature advanced avionics systems, including sophisticated radar systems, electronic warfare capabilities, and network-centric warfare capabilities.
- Supersonic speeds: Both aircraft are capable of flying at supersonic speeds, with the F-22 being capable of sustained supersonic flight and the F-35 having a limited supersonic capability.
- Precision strike capabilities: They both possess precision strike capabilities, allowing them to engage ground targets with a variety of weapons, including guided bombs and missiles.
- Multirole capabilities: The F-22 and F-35 are designed as multirole fighters, capable of performing air-to-air combat, air-to-ground strikes, intelligence gathering, and electronic warfare missions.
Difference Between F-22 vs F-35
Despite these similarities, there are several key differences between the F-22 and F-35:
- Design and purpose: The F-22 is primarily an air superiority fighter, optimized for air-to-air combat, whereas the F-35 is a multirole fighter intended for both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.
- Cost: The F-22 is a more expensive aircraft compared to the F-35, with a higher per-unit cost and a more limited production run.
- Production status: The F-22 production line has been closed, meaning that no new F-22s are being produced, while the F-35 program is ongoing, with production and development still active.
- Performance: The F-22 possesses superior maneuverability, speed, and altitude capabilities compared to the F-35. It has a higher thrust-to-weight ratio and can achieve higher speeds and altitudes.
- Payload and range: The F-35 has a larger internal weapons payload and greater range compared to the F-22, allowing it to carry more weapons and operate over longer distances.
- International participation: The F-35 program involves multiple international partners, with several countries participating in its development and procurement. The F-22, on the other hand, is exclusively used by the United States Air Force.
In summary, while the F-22 and F-35 share some similarities, such as stealth capabilities, advanced avionics, and multirole capabilities, they also have notable differences in design, purpose, cost, performance, and international participation.
What makes the F-22 better than the F-35?
The F-22 and the F-35 complement each other, each serving distinct roles. In terms of air-to-air combat, the F-22 stands unrivaled with its exceptional features such as high speed, maneuverability, and a stealthy design, making it a formidable dogfighting machine.
The F-22 boasts powerful twin-engines, providing it with a substantial take-off weight of approximately 83,500 lb, surpassing the F-35’s maximum takeoff weight of around 70,000 lb. This notable weight difference allows the F-22 to effortlessly carry heavier and more weapons, enhancing its combat capabilities.
A key advantage of the F-22 is its 3D Thrust Vectoring Control (TVC) nozzles, which significantly enhance maneuverability—an aspect lacking in the F-35. This feature makes the F-22 exceptionally lethal in air-to-air warfare scenarios. Despite its 80s design, the F-22 maintains optimal aerodynamics and stealth while accommodating a substantial payload.
What makes the F-35 better than the F-22?
The F-35 outshines the F-22 in terms of cost, weight, and size. With lower operational costs and maintenance requirements, the F-35 proves to be a more cost-effective option, facilitating the maintenance of larger fleets.
The F-35’s reasonable flight per hour is a notable advantage, especially when compared to the F-22, which incurs high operational costs, partly due to its twin fuel-hungry engines. The F-35’s higher combat readiness rate is a decisive factor in its favor.
In terms of electronic technology, the F-35’s avionics are nearly a decade ahead of the F-22. Additionally, the F-35 program is still in its early stages, providing the opportunity for frequent software upgrades and configurations in the near future, whereas the F-22 program has concluded.
Conclusion
Being indispensable assets to the United States Air Force, both F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning have and provide critical capabilities and services to National Protection. While the F-22 Raptor is dedicated specially to Air Superiority with its manoeuvrability and weapon systems comparable to no other fighter jet, F-35 is a multirole fighter jet with a wide range of capabilities. Mission requirements and resources available to operate and maintain the aircraft defines the choice that must be made between these two heavy weights.
Fighters are also a very important type of military equipment, so more and more cutting-edge technologies are applied to them. For pilots who fly fighter jets, they not only have superb flying skills, but also have excellent psychological and physical qualities, which are excellent and brave. Military challenge coins are a great way to express our recognition and praise for these airmen. Because challenge coins are a symbol of honor. Challenge coins can be customized based on elements such as the pilot’s name and the type of aircraft they fly. Giving these military coins to pilots will encourage them to continue to work hard and fight for the country’s air force cause!
