F22 vs F35 Fighter Jet Comparison

Introduction to Fifth-Generation Fighter Jets

The world of military aviation has seen significant advancements in recent years, with the development of fifth-generation fighter jets being a notable highlight. Two of the most advanced and widely discussed fighter jets in this category are the F-22 Raptor and the F-35 Lightning II. Both aircraft are products of Lockheed Martin, a leading defense contractor, and have been designed to provide unparalleled air superiority and multirole capabilities. In this comparison, we will delve into the design, features, and performance of these two exceptional fighter jets.

Design and Development

The F-22 Raptor was first introduced in 2005 as a dedicated air superiority fighter, with its primary role being to gain and maintain air dominance. The F-22’s design is characterized by its sleek, futuristic appearance, with a focus on stealth technology to reduce its radar cross-section. On the other hand, the F-35 Lightning II, introduced in 2015, is a multirole fighter designed to perform a variety of tasks, including air-to-air combat, air-to-ground strikes, and reconnaissance. The F-35’s design is more versatile, with three main variants: the F-35A (conventional takeoff and landing), F-35B (short takeoff and vertical landing), and F-35C (carrier-based).

Performance Comparison

Both the F-22 and F-35 are powered by advanced engines, with the F-22 using the Pratt & Whitney F119-PW-100 turbofan engine and the F-35 utilizing the Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 turbofan engine. In terms of speed, the F-22 has a higher top speed, reaching over Mach 2.25 (around 1,700 mph), while the F-35’s top speed is around Mach 1.6 (approximately 1,200 mph). The F-22 also has a higher climb rate and service ceiling, making it more suitable for high-altitude engagements.

Armament and Avionics

The F-22 is equipped with a range of advanced armaments, including the AIM-120 AMRAAM missile, the AIM-9X Sidewinder missile, and the M61 Vulcan cannon. The F-35, on the other hand, has a more versatile armament package, with the ability to carry a variety of missiles, including the AIM-120, AIM-9X, and the advanced Meteor missile. In terms of avionics, both aircraft feature advanced radar systems, with the F-22 using the AN/APG-77 radar and the F-35 utilizing the AN/APG-81 radar. The F-35 also has a more advanced helmet-mounted display system, providing pilots with enhanced situational awareness.

Stealth Capabilities

Both the F-22 and F-35 have been designed with stealth technology in mind, featuring radar-absorbing materials and shapes to reduce their radar cross-section. However, the F-22 is generally considered to be more stealthy, with a lower radar cross-section than the F-35. This is due in part to the F-22’s design, which features a more curved and faceted shape to scatter radar waves.

Cost and Production

The F-22 program was relatively small, with only 195 aircraft produced, at a cost of around 67 billion. In contrast, the F-35 program is much larger, with over 3,000 aircraft planned for production, at a cost of around 1.7 trillion. The F-35’s higher production numbers and longer production run have helped to reduce its unit cost, making it a more affordable option for many countries.

Operational Experience

The F-22 has seen limited operational experience, with its primary role being to provide air superiority for the US Air Force. The F-35, on the other hand, has been deployed in a variety of roles, including air-to-ground strikes and reconnaissance missions. The F-35 has also been adopted by several countries, including the UK, Canada, and Australia, as part of their military modernization efforts.

Comparison Table

Characteristics	F-22 Raptor	F-35 Lightning II
Length	62.1 ft (18.9 m)	50.6 ft (15.4 m)
Wingspan	44.6 ft (13.6 m)	35.0 ft (10.7 m)
Height	16.7 ft (5.1 m)	14.3 ft (4.4 m)
Empty Weight	43,500 lb (19,700 kg)	29,300 lb (13,300 kg)
Max Takeoff Weight	80,000 lb (36,300 kg)	70,000 lb (31,800 kg)
Engine	Pratt & Whitney F119-PW-100	Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100
Thrust	35,000 lb (156 kN)	28,000 lb (125 kN)
Max Speed	Mach 2.25 (1,700 mph)	Mach 1.6 (1,200 mph)
Service Ceiling	65,000 ft (19,685 m)	50,000 ft (15,240 m)
Range	1,600 nmi (3,000 km)	1,200 nmi (2,200 km)
Climb Rate	22,000 ft/min (112 m/s)	18,000 ft/min (91 m/s)

📝 Note: The comparison table highlights the key differences between the F-22 and F-35, with the F-22 having a higher top speed, climb rate, and service ceiling.

In summary, the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II are both exceptional fighter jets, with unique design features, advanced avionics, and impressive performance capabilities. While the F-22 is more suited for air superiority missions, the F-35 is a versatile multirole fighter that can perform a variety of tasks. Ultimately, the choice between these two aircraft depends on the specific needs and requirements of the military or country in question.

Related Terms:

• lightning vs f 22
• f35 and f 22 side by
• f 22 vs 35 difference
• f 22 and 35 comparison
• f 22 vs 35 radar