F-35 Lightning vs F-22 Raptor: Air Superiority Battle

I’ve always been drawn to fifth-generation fighters like the F-35 Lightning II and the F-22 Raptor. These stealth fighter jets are made to rule the skies. They have different roles and strengths that make them stand out¹².

The F-22 Raptor is known for its speed and agility, making it the top dogfighter in the US Air Force¹. It can hit speeds up to Mach 2.25 and climb at an incredible 62,000 feet per minute. This is faster than the F-35’s top speed of Mach 1.6 and its climb rate of about 45,000 feet per minute¹³. The F-22’s special engines let it speed up and turn better than the F-35, thanks to thrust vectoring²³.

The F-35 Lightning II is a versatile fighter for today’s wars. It has advanced stealth, makes quick decisions, and can do many jobs, like fighting nuclear threats, attacking ground targets, and flying in the air¹². The F-35’s tech, like its helmet display, is more advanced than the F-22’s³.

Recently, two F-22 Raptors from the US Air Force fought two South Korean F-35As over Korea. This showed how these fifth-generation fighters perform in real battles. The F-35 Lightning II and the F-22 Raptor each have special strengths in the fight for air superiority.

Introduction: The Fifth-Generation Fighters

The F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II are top examples of fifth-generation fighters. They have unmatched stealth technology and lead in air dominance and versatility. These aircraft are the top achievements in modern aviation engineering. They are the pride of the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy, which together have nearly 8,000 aircraft⁴. In contrast, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force has just over 3,000 aircraft⁴.

The F-22 Raptor was the first stealth fighter to enter service. It was planned for 750 aircraft but only 186 were made before stopping production in 2011⁴⁵. Now, less than 100 F-22 Raptors fly, and their exact number is secret⁵. Despite this, the F-22 is known for its unmatched air superiority and skill in dogfighting and tough environments⁴.

The F-35 Lightning II is a fighter jet used by 18 countries worldwide⁵. The F-35 program is set to cost $1.7 trillion for about 2,500 aircraft⁴. Over a dozen countries want the F-35, showing its wide use⁴. The F-35 can do six main jobs, like attacking and supporting troops, and destroying enemy defenses⁴⁵.

The F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II are the most advanced fighter jets in the world, representing the pinnacle of fifth-generation aircraft technology.

These fighters have advanced sensors and data links to help guide other planes in combat⁴. The F-22 can go Mach 2 speed and fly up to 65,000 feet high, showing its speed and high flying ability⁴. It uses Pratt & Whitney F119-PW-100 engines for over 70,000 pounds of thrust, making it very maneuverable⁴.

Looking into these fifth-generation fighters, it’s clear they’re the future of air power and multirole operations. The F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II will change aerial warfare. They will keep the U.S. and its allies ahead in the skies for many years.

F-22 Raptor: The Unmatched Air Superiority Fighter

The F-22 Raptor is a top engineering achievement, made to be the best in the skies. It’s the first stealth fighter in the world, combining stealth, speed, and amazing moves. This makes it unbeatable in the air.

Lockheed Martin, with Boeing and Pratt & Whitney, created a masterpiece in the F-22 Raptor. This aircraft was made with help from about 1,000 suppliers across 42 states⁶. Lockheed Martin made $35.5 billion in 2004, showing how big the F-22 project was⁶.

Stealth and Speed Superiority

The F-22 Raptor can sneak into enemy skies without being seen. It’s so fast, it can attack before enemies even know it’s there. It goes up to Mach 2.25 and cruises at Mach 1.82, faster than the F-35 Lightning II.

Originally, the plan was to make 750 F-22s for over $44 billion in 1985 dollars⁷. But after the Cold War, the military changed its priorities. This led to making less than 200 F-22s, making each one very expensive⁷.

Thrust Vectoring and Maneuverability

The F-22 Raptor has powerful Pratt & Whitney F119 engines. These engines, along with thrust vectoring, let the Raptor do amazing aerial moves. It can outmaneuver its enemies easily.

The F-22 can carry many kinds of weapons, including bombs and missiles⁷. This makes it a powerful fighter. The F-35 Lightning II can only carry four air-to-air missiles, showing the F-22’s edge⁷.

By September 28, 2005, Lockheed Martin had given 50 F-22 Raptors to the U.S. Air Force⁶. 63 out of 83 fighters under contract were ready by then⁶. The F-22 started full production in April 2005, becoming the only 5th Generation Stealth Fighter in service⁶.

The F-22 Raptor changes how wars are fought for the next 40 years⁶. But in 2023, only 32 Block 20 Raptors are left, and keeping them is too costly⁷. The Air Force wants to use $500 million for the Next Generation Air Dominance program instead⁷.

F-35 Lightning II: The Versatile Multirole Fighter

The F-35 Lightning II is a fifth-generation multirole fighter that brings unmatched versatility to the battlefield. It first took to the skies in December 2006⁸. This aircraft is made to excel in many missions, like air-to-air combat, ground attack, and intelligence gathering.

Advanced Sensors and Data Integration

The F-35 shines with its advanced sensors and data integration. These systems let the aircraft gather, analyze, and share information with allies in real-time. This gives the F-35 a big edge, making it a key part of military operations.

Broad Mission Capabilities

The F-35 Lightning II can handle a wide range of missions, showing its true versatility. It can do many things, including:

• Nuclear deterrence
• Anti-ship operations
• Air-to-ground strike missions¹

It has a variety of weapons at its disposal, like Paveway bombs and the JASSM missile¹. It can go at speeds of about Mach 1.6 (1,228 mph)⁸ and can handle up to 9 Gs safely⁸. This makes it ready for any challenge.

Lower Maintenance Costs and Easier Updates

The F-35 also has lower maintenance costs than the F-22 Raptor. This is key in times of tight military budgets. Plus, its design makes it easy to update software, so it can quickly adapt to new threats and technologies.

The F-35 Lightning II is not just a fighter jet; it’s a comprehensive, networked combat system that redefines what it means to be a multirole aircraft.

With its advanced sensors, data integration, versatility, and lower maintenance costs, the F-35 Lightning II marks a new era in aerial warfare. It’s the most advanced multirole fighter, set to lead the skies for years to come.

Comparing Aerial Combat Capabilities

The F-22 Raptor and the F-35 Lightning II are top fighters in the skies. The F-22 Raptor is made for air superiority, with speed and agility that give it an edge. It can go faster than the F-35, reaching speeds up to Mach 2.25¹. It also climbs much faster, reaching 62,000 feet per minute, beating the F-35’s 45,000 feet per minute⁹¹.

The F-22 Raptor is known as the best dogfighter, capable of taking on modern stealth fighters¹. Its special technology lets it move quickly and change direction fast, making it hard to beat in close fights. Even though it hasn’t downed an enemy plane in battle, its skills make it a top choice for dogfighting¹.

The F-35 Lightning II is not just for dogfighting. It has advanced sensors and can share information with other planes, making it a key asset in battles⁹. It can act alone or work with others, thanks to its unique abilities⁹.

The F-22 Raptor is the top fighter for air superiority, leading in dogfights and intercepting enemy planes. But the F-35 Lightning II is versatile, great for many missions. It’s strong in sharing information, helping other planes in battle⁹.

The F-22 and F-35 represent the pinnacle of fifth-generation fighter technology, each bringing unique capabilities to the aerial battlespace.

Both the F-22 and the F-35 are fast, far-reaching, and long-lasting. But the F-22 wins in dogfights with its speed and climb ability. The F-35 is great at sharing information, making it a key asset in many missions⁹¹.

f 35 lightning vs f 22 raptor: Strengths and Weaknesses

The F-35 Lightning II and the F-22 Raptor are top fighter jets today. They have advanced tech and strong skills. But, they have different strengths and weaknesses that make them stand out.

F-22’s Edge in Dogfights and Interceptor Role

The F-22 Raptor is great for dogfights, especially against tough enemies like China’s J-20. It’s hard to see because of its special materials and shape¹⁰. This lets it strike first in fights from far away, staying hidden and carrying its weapons safely¹⁰.

The F-22 is one of the most deadly planes flying. It’s super fast and can turn quickly, giving it an edge in dogfights¹⁰¹¹. It has powerful engines that help it move fast and turn sharply¹¹. It also has a 20mm gun and can fire air-to-air missiles like the AIM-9 Sidewinder¹⁰¹¹.

F-35’s Versatility and Export Success

The F-35 Lightning II is great for many tasks and is loved by many countries. It’s set to be made in large numbers, which will make it cheaper¹².

The F-35 is known for its advanced sensors and how it handles data. Even though it’s a bit bigger than the F-22, it’s still very stealthy¹². It’s made for slow, long attacks on the ground, not for fast flying¹².

In summary, the F-22 is best for air-to-air fights and catching enemies, while the F-35 is versatile and great for many missions. Each plane has its own strengths and weaknesses, fitting different needs and goals.

Stealth and Avionics: A Closer Look

Fifth-generation fighter jets rely heavily on stealth technology and advanced avionics for their success. The F-22 Raptor and the F-35 Lightning II are prime examples. They are hard to detect because of their stealth features. But, they differ in how well they hide from radar and their avionics.

Radar Cross-Section Comparison

The F-22 Raptor is known as the stealthiest fighter jet, with a much lower radar cross-section than the F-35 Lightning II⁹. Its design is highly optimized to reduce radar reflections. This includes aligning edges, hiding engines and turbines, and using serrated skin panels. The F-35 also has stealth tech but its RCS is a bit higher than the F-22’s.

A former USAF ACC General said the F-35 is stealthier than the F-22 in some ways¹³. While the F-22 is best at hiding in certain situations, the F-35 is more consistent in its stealth across different angles and conditions¹³. This means the F-35 can stay hidden longer and more reliably than the F-22.

Both the F-22 and F-35 offer big advantages over non-stealth planes in staying alive and getting the job done. The F-35 has an advanced sensor suite that helps it avoid detection longer than the F-22¹³. This, along with its multi-role design, lets the F-35 handle complex air defense systems¹³.

In summary, the F-22 is better at hiding in certain situations, but the F-35 is more versatile. Both planes will keep getting better, keeping their stealth and avionics at the forefront of air superiority and mission success.

Weapon Systems and Payloads

When we look at the F-35 Lightning II and the F-22 Raptor, their weapon systems and payloads stand out. These fifth-generation fighters have different main roles, shown in their armament.

F-22’s Air-to-Air Specialization

The F-22 Raptor focuses on air superiority. It has special weapon systems for this role. It can carry six LAU-142/A launchers for beyond-line-of-sight missiles and two more bays for short and medium-range air-to-air missiles³. But, it can’t carry big or heavy ground weapons inside, with a max load of 1,776 Kg (3,915 lbs)¹⁴. Its speed, agility, and dogfight skills make it top in air-to-air combat³.

F-35’s Diverse Munitions Options

The F-35 Lightning II is a versatile fighter for many missions. It can carry a variety of weapons inside and outside, like Paveway bombs, SPEAR-3 missiles, and JASSM cruise missiles³. With a payload capacity of 8,160 Kg (17,990 lbs), it can carry a lot of ground weapons, making it good for ground targets¹⁴.

Here’s a table that shows how the F-22 Raptor and the F-35 Lightning II compare in weapons and payloads:

The F-22 Raptor is great at air-to-air combat. But the F-35 Lightning II can do more, like ground attack and close air support. Its advanced tech and sensor fusion make it very effective in these roles³.

Operational Roles and Mission Profiles

The F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II are both fifth-generation fighters with different roles. The F-22 Raptor is a top choice for air superiority. It can intercept enemy planes and fight in dogfights. Its stealth, speed, and advanced tech make it unbeatable in the skies.

The F-35 Lightning II is a multirole fighter, good for many missions. It has advanced sensors and can share info with other forces. This makes it key in modern battles. It can gather intel, coordinate with allies, and deliver different types of attacks.

The F-35 operates with only one pilot in the cockpit for intelligence gathering. Its capabilities include the ability to read, analyze a battle map, and operate independently¹⁵.

The F-22 Raptor focuses on air-to-air combat. The F-35 Lightning II can do many things like close air support and striking enemy air defenses. Its flexibility has made it popular for export, helping many countries improve their air power.

The Israeli Air Force (IAF) has 9 F-35s so far, with 5 tested before declaring they’re ready¹⁵. The IAF will use the F-35 based on their needs and testing. They might also get the F-35B variant for its ability to operate in various situations¹⁵.

The F-22 Raptor production was capped at 195 planes due to costs and the F-35’s arrival¹⁶. It officially joined the US Air Force on December 15, 2005, after being made from 1996 to 2011¹⁶.

The F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II are changing how we fight in the air. The F-22 is unmatched in air superiority. The F-35 is versatile and advanced. Together, they offer a strong solution for today’s complex battles.

Future Developments and Upgrades

The F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II are leading the skies, but they’re getting even better. The F-22 Raptor has been in the air for over 25 years¹⁷. Soon, it will be replaced by the Next-Generation Air Dominance Fighter (NGAD). This will keep the U.S. Air Force ahead in air combat.

F-22’s Eventual Replacement by NGAD

The U.S. Air Force plans to start designing the NGAD fighter in 2024¹⁷. They hope to have it ready for service by the mid-2030s. This new fighter will not only replace the F-22 but will also work with drone wingmen.

The Air Force wants to buy at least 1,000 drones to support the NGAD fighters¹⁷. Each NGAD fighter will have two drones by its side. They’re spending over $500 million on these drones in 2024¹⁷. About 20 to 30 companies will compete for these drone contracts¹⁷. The NGAD program will have different types of aircraft, including the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCAs)¹⁷.

F-35’s Continuous Improvements and Variants

The F-35 Lightning II is also getting better, despite some delays and extra costs¹⁸. It has gone through a $15 billion upgrade to improve its air combat tech. Now, there are more F-35s flying than any other stealth aircraft¹⁷. The F-35 comes in three types: one for the Air Force, one for the Marines, and one for the Navy.

But, the F-35 program has hit some bumps. General Charles Q. Brown suggested cutting some F-35As to fund the NGAD¹⁸. There are also talks of reducing F-35 orders by the Royal Air Force and the U.S. Marine Corps¹⁸.

Despite some issues, Lockheed Martin and the Pentagon say F-35 costs are stable¹⁸. The F-35’s ongoing updates and different versions keep it relevant in air warfare. It’s set to remain a key fighter for many years.

Conclusion

The F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II are key for the U.S. Air Force. They help keep air dominance and handle future aerial battles¹⁹. The F-22, starting in 2005, is great at winning air battles with its fast speed, sharp turns, and advanced weapons¹⁹. Originally, the Air Force wanted 790 F-22s, but budget cuts and politics lowered it to 187²⁰.

The F-35 Lightning II, starting in 2015, offers versatility and can do many tasks¹⁹. It has better situational awareness, can strike precisely in any weather, and integrates well with other systems¹⁹. Even with cost increases and delays, the F-35 meets the U.S. Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and international partners’ needs¹⁹.

As air battles change, the F-22 and F-35 will be key to U.S. air dominance and mission success¹⁹. The F-22 is top-notch at air superiority, and the F-35 is versatile with advanced tech¹⁹. Together, they form a strong force ready for future air battles. This way, the U.S. Air Force can stay ahead and tackle various threats and challenges ahead.

Source Links

1. F-35 Vs F-22: Comparing & Contrasting The Iconic Lockheed Martin Fighter Jets – https://simpleflying.com/lockheed-martin-f-35-vs-f-22-comparison/
2. F-35 vs. F-22: rare dogfight near China unveils next-gen tactics – https://bulgarianmilitary.com/2024/05/17/f-35-vs-f-22-rare-dogfight-near-china-unveils-next-gen-tactics/
3. F-22 Raptor vs F-35 Lightning II: Clash of the Titans in Modern Aerial Warfare – https://www.flyajetfighter.com/f-22-raptor-vs-f-35-lightning-ii-clash-of-the-titans-in-modern-aerial-warfare/
4. F-22 vs. F-35: The Stealth Fighter ‘Battle’ That Won’t Ever Happen – https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/f-22-vs-f-35-stealth-fighter-battle-wont-ever-happen-208079
5. F-22 Raptor vs. F-35 Lightning II Is the Ultimate Stealth Fight (And It Just Happened) – https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/f-22-raptor-vs-f-35-lightning-ii-ultimate-stealth-fight-and-it-just-happened-211089
6. 16.net – The ultimate F-16, F-35 and F-22 reference – https://www.f-16.net/f-22-news-article1579.html
7. The F-22 Raptor Stealth Fighter Is Really Expensive for a Reason – https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/f-22-raptor-stealth-fighter-really-expensive-reason-210114
8. F-22 Raptor Vs F-35 Lightning: Ultimate Dog Fight Of The Fifth-Gen Fighter Jets – https://www.hotcars.com/f-35-and-f-22-comparison/
9. F-35 Pilot Compares F-22 Raptor With F-35; Explains What Makes Lightning-II Aircraft Truly ‘Unbeatable’ – https://www.eurasiantimes.com/f-35-pilot-compares-f-22-raptor-with-f-35-explains/
10. Explained: The Strengths & Weaknesses Of The F-22 Raptor Fighter Jet – https://simpleflying.com/f-22-fighter-jet-strengths-weaknesses/
11. F-22 Raptor: The Advanced Fighter Jet | SchoolTube – https://www.schooltube.com/f-22-raptor-the-advanced-fighter-jet/
12. Lockheed Martin F-35 – As bad as Critics say? | MiGFlug.com Blog – https://migflug.com/jetflights/lockheed-martin-f-35-is-it-as-bad-as-some-say/
13. View topic – Is the F-35 stealthier than the F-22? • F-16.net – https://www.f-16.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=55&t=58798&start=15
14. F-22 Raptor vs F-35 Lightning II: Data Comparison – https://aerocorner.com/comparison/f-22-raptor-vs-f-35-lightning-ii/
15. Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning and F-22 ‘Raptor’ : News & Discussion – https://www.strategicfront.org/forums/threads/lockheed-martin-f-35-lightning-and-f-22-raptor-news-discussion.239/
16. Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lockheed_Martin_F-22_Raptor
17. The race to field NGAD, the futuristic replacement for the F-22 Raptor, is officially on – https://www.sandboxx.us/news/airpower/the-race-to-field-ngad-the-futuristic-replacement-for-the-f-22-raptor-is-officially-on/
18. Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning and F-22 ‘Raptor’ : News & Discussion – https://www.strategicfront.org/forums/threads/lockheed-martin-f-35-lightning-and-f-22-raptor-news-discussion.239/post-184489
19. F-22 Vs F-35: A Head-to-Head Comparison Of The Ultimate Fighter Jets » MilitaryWiFi – https://www.militarywifi.info/f-22-raptor-vs-f-35-lightning/
20. Can the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter Avoid the Fate of the F-22 Raptor? – https://ndupress.ndu.edu/Media/News/News-Article-View/Article/1916924/can-the-f-35-lightning-ii-joint-strike-fighter-avoid-the-fate-of-the-f-22-raptor/