F-35 Vs. Eurofighter: European countries looked for a way to counter the Soviet Union’s constant threat of conflict during the Cold War. While this was happening, the United States was looking to replace its outdated aircraft with a multi-role aircraft over the Pacific. The Eurofighter and the F-35 emerged as the perfect solutions.
Both these aircraft are different from each other in some aspects. In this blog, we will ponder on the points that make Eurofighter different from F-35 or vice versa.
There is no discernible price difference. The difference is under 5%. The Eurofighter dual engine will require increasingly sophisticated maintenance, while the F-35 is more cost-effective. JSF has a sizable advantage over BVR in this battle. The JSF has stronger stealth characteristics and won’t be picked up by radar, in contrast to the Eurofighter, which only possesses frontal radar avoidance. Given its greater agility, the Eurofighter will be far more advantageous in dogfights.
Eurofighter Typhoon vs F-35 Lightning II Comparison
The Eurofighter Typhoon and the F-35 Lightning II are two modern multi-role fighter aircraft developed for different purposes and by different countries. Here’s a detailed comparison of these two fighters:
Development and Origins:
Eurofighter Typhoon:
- Developed by a consortium of European countries, including the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Spain.
- First flew in 1994 and entered service in the early 2000s.
F-35 Lightning II:
- Developed by a consortium led by the United States, with contributions from several partner nations.
- Three main variants: F-35A (conventional takeoff and landing), F-35B (short takeoff and vertical landing), and F-35C (carrier-based).
- First flight in 2006, with different variants entering service in the following years.
Role and Mission:
Eurofighter Typhoon:
- Primarily an air superiority fighter but has evolved into a multi-role platform.
- Capable of air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.
F-35 Lightning II:
- Designed as a multi-role stealth fighter with a focus on ground-attack and reconnaissance missions.
- Capable of air-to-air combat, air-to-ground strikes, electronic warfare, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR).
Stealth and Design:
Eurofighter Typhoon:
- Non-stealthy design, relies on agility and advanced radar for survivability.
F-35 Lightning II:
- Incorporates stealth technology to reduce radar cross-section and enhance survivability.
- Low observable design for reduced visibility to radar.
Avionics and Sensors:
Eurofighter Typhoon:
- Equipped with the CAPTOR-M mechanically scanned radar.
- Advanced avionics and sensor suite, including infrared search and track (IRST) capabilities.
F-35 Lightning II:
- Features the AN/APG-81 AESA radar, providing advanced air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities.
- Distributed aperture system (DAS) and electro-optical targeting system (EOTS) for situational awareness.
Maneuverability:
Eurofighter Typhoon:
- Known for high agility and maneuverability.
- Capable of sustained high-G turns.
F-35 Lightning II:
- Good agility but not as maneuverable as the Typhoon in a dogfight.
- Relies on stealth and sensor fusion for survivability.
Cost and Program Issues:
Eurofighter Typhoon:
- Generally considered less expensive than the F-35, both in terms of acquisition and operating costs.
F-35 Lightning II:
- Initially faced cost overruns and program delays, but efforts have been made to address these issues.
- Variants like the F-35A have seen a reduction in costs as production rates increased.
Export and International Cooperation:
Eurofighter Typhoon:
- Exported to several countries, including Saudi Arabia, Austria, and Oman.
- Developed through a collaborative effort between European nations.
F-35 Lightning II:
- Widely exported to U.S. allies, including the UK, Australia, and many NATO members.
- Developed through a multinational partnership, with the U.S. as the primary operator.
Size Comparison
| CATEGORY | F-35 Lightning II | Eurofighter Typhoon |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 15.6 m – 50.0 ft | 15.95 m – 52 ft 4 in |
| Height | 4.33 m – 14.2 ft | 5.30 m – 17 ft 3 in |
| Wingspan | 10.7 m – 35 ft 0 in | 10.95 m – 35 ft 9 in |
| Wing Area | 42.0 m² – 460 sq ft | 51.2 m² (551 sq ft) |
| Power | 1 x 190 kN – 43k lbf | 2 x 89 kN 20k lbf |
| Weight | 13,200 kg – 30,2k lb | 11,150 kg – 24,6k lb |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Eurofighter Typhoon and the F-35 Lightning II represent two distinct approaches to modern air warfare. The Eurofighter Typhoon, a collaborative effort by European nations, boasts exceptional agility and maneuverability, prioritizing air superiority while adapting to multi-role missions. Its non-stealthy design relies on advanced radar systems and a versatile sensor suite.
On the other hand, the F-35 Lightning II, a product of international cooperation led by the United States, emphasizes stealth technology, advanced avionics, and sensor fusion to excel in a diverse range of roles. Its three variants cater to conventional takeoff, short takeoff and vertical landing, and carrier-based operations, showcasing a high degree of versatility.
The choice between the two depends on the specific needs of a nation’s air force. The Eurofighter Typhoon offers a cost-effective solution with formidable agility, while the F-35 Lightning II provides a comprehensive, stealthy, and network-centric platform. Both aircraft contribute significantly to the evolving landscape of modern aerial warfare, each addressing unique operational requirements and preferences within the global defense community.
Informative publication