Intro
Discover the 5 key differences between the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II, two of the worlds most advanced fighter jets. Learn about their design, capabilities, and technological advancements, including stealth technology, maneuverability, and combat effectiveness, to understand which fifth-generation fighter reigns supreme in air superiority and multirole operations.
The F-22 Raptor and the F-35 Lightning II are two of the most advanced fighter jets in the world, developed by Lockheed Martin for the United States Air Force. Both aircraft are designed to dominate the skies, but they have distinct differences in their design, capabilities, and purposes. In this article, we will explore the 5 key differences between the F-22 and the F-35.
1. Design and Purpose
The F-22 Raptor is a fifth-generation, single-seat, twin-engine supermaneuverable fighter aircraft designed for air superiority and ground attack missions. Its primary purpose is to engage and destroy enemy aircraft in air-to-air combat, while also possessing the ability to conduct air-to-ground strikes.
In contrast, the F-35 Lightning II is a multirole fighter, designed to perform a variety of tasks, including air-to-air combat, air-to-ground strikes, and reconnaissance missions. The F-35 is also designed to be more versatile, with three different variants for the Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps.
Key Statistics:
- F-22 Raptor:
- Length: 62 feet 1 inch (18.9 meters)
- Wingspan: 44 feet 6 inches (13.6 meters)
- Height: 16 feet 8 inches (5.1 meters)
- Empty weight: 43,000 pounds (19,500 kg)
- F-35 Lightning II:
- Length: 50 feet 6 inches (15.4 meters)
- Wingspan: 35 feet 4 inches (10.8 meters)
- Height: 14 feet 2 inches (4.3 meters)
- Empty weight: 29,000 pounds (13,150 kg)
2. Propulsion and Speed
The F-22 Raptor is powered by two Pratt & Whitney F119-PW-100 turbofans, producing 22,000 pounds of thrust each. The F-22 has a top speed of over Mach 2.25 (around 1,800 mph or 2,900 km/h), making it one of the fastest operational fighter jets in the world.
The F-35 Lightning II, on the other hand, is powered by a single Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 turbofan, producing 22,000 pounds of thrust. The F-35 has a top speed of around Mach 1.6 (around 1,200 mph or 1,900 km/h).
Thrust Vectoring:
The F-22 Raptor features a thrust vectoring system, which allows the pilot to control the direction of the thrust, enabling the aircraft to perform high-angle-of-attack maneuvers and maintain control at low speeds. The F-35 does not have a thrust vectoring system.
3. Radar and Avionics
The F-22 Raptor features the AN/APG-77 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, which provides advanced air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities. The F-22 also has a advanced avionics system, including a digital fly-by-wire flight control system and a advanced cockpit display system.
The F-35 Lightning II features the AN/APG-81 AESA radar, which provides similar capabilities to the F-22's radar. However, the F-35's avionics system is more advanced, featuring a advanced helmet-mounted display system and a integrated sensor fusion system.
Sensor Fusion:
The F-35's sensor fusion system combines data from various sensors, including radar, electro-optical, and infrared sensors, to provide a comprehensive view of the battlefield. The F-22 does not have a sensor fusion system.
4. Stealth and Survivability
Both the F-22 and F-35 are designed to be stealthy, with radar-absorbing materials and design features that reduce their radar cross-section. However, the F-22 is considered to be more stealthy, with a radar cross-section of around 0.0001 square meters. The F-35 has a radar cross-section of around 0.001 square meters.
Survivability Features:
The F-22 has a number of survivability features, including a advanced self-protection system and a robust airframe design. The F-35 also has survivability features, including a advanced self-protection system and a ability to withstand significant damage.
5. Cost and Production
The F-22 Raptor was produced in limited numbers, with a total of 195 aircraft produced. The F-22 program was canceled in 2011 due to high costs and delays.
The F-35 Lightning II is currently in production, with over 500 aircraft produced to date. The F-35 program has also been plagued by cost overruns and delays, but it is expected to continue production for many years to come.
Unit Cost:
The F-22 Raptor has a unit cost of around $150 million per aircraft. The F-35 Lightning II has a unit cost of around $80 million per aircraft.
F-22 vs F-35 Image Gallery
In conclusion, while both the F-22 Raptor and the F-35 Lightning II are advanced fighter jets, they have distinct differences in their design, capabilities, and purposes. The F-22 is a more specialized air superiority fighter, while the F-35 is a multirole fighter with a broader range of capabilities. We hope this article has provided a comprehensive overview of the 5 key differences between the F-22 and the F-35.
We invite you to share your thoughts and opinions on the F-22 vs F-35 debate in the comments section below. Which aircraft do you think is more capable? Do you have any questions about the F-22 or F-35? Let us know!