The F-35 and F-22 are thought to be the world’s best stealth warplanes. Despite the appearance of the Russian Su-57 and the Chinese J-20, the American flagships of aeronautical engineering have more missions than any fifth-generation fighter.
F-35 versus F-22. It is simple to compare two fighters made by different countries and manufacturers on paper. Even so, pitting items from the same corporation – Lockheed Martin – against one other is even more difficult.
We’ll evaluate the two fighters today based on the following criteria: range beyond visual range, weaponry, general qualities, and purchase and maintenance expenses. Let’s get started with the hands, which each include interesting details about the two fighters.
Beyond visible range: F-35 vs. F-22
It covers various signs outside the visible range, most notably the two aircraft’ hitting power and radar capability. The F-35 is equipped with the MBDA Meteor missile from France, whereas the F-22 is equipped with the AIM-120 AMRAAM from the United States. Although both missiles reach Mach 4, the French Meteor has a better range of devastation (100 km) than the American AIM-120 AMRAAM (75 km).
It may appear plausible because the two missiles were developed in different decades, implying that the weapons are improving with advancements in military technology. The two planes’ radar capabilities are extremely impressive. Northrup Gruman created the AN / APG-77 radar, which is used by the F-22.
The F-35 is equipped with the same manufacturer’s AN / APG-81, which is a successor to the AN / APG-77. However, as you may have guessed, the term “successor” refers to a much newer technology with numerous enhancements, such as improved air-ground modes, higher-resolution mapping, indication, and tracking of multiple terrestrial moving targets, battle identification, an electronic warfare system, and ultra-high band communications.
Despite the F-35’s apparent edge in the above-mentioned metrics, the F-22 has one benefit: the service life of everything mentioned above is longer than the F-35’s “new products.” This, however, is insufficient. The F-35 is the winner in this category due of its superior technical capabilities.
Flight comparison: F-35 vs. F-22
As previously stated, the F-35 has an edge due to its armament in cruise missiles that are hidden from view. The scenario in this circumstance is not the same as in the “flying” category.
The F-22 is a more manoeuvrable aircraft than the F-16. The F-22 is better equipped technologically because it is a fighter aircraft exclusively for the US Air Force. At the same time, the F-35 is a worldwide effort, and some of the technology isn’t fully operational.
But consider other indicators, such as climbing speed. The F-22 climbs at a speed of 315 metres per second, while the F-35 goes 230 metres in a single Sunda. The American F-22 engineers are rated at 9.4 out of 10 for manoeuvrability, whereas the F-35 is only rated at 8.5. The avionics of the two aircraft are similar, with the F-22 (9.4 / 10) outperforming the F-35 (8.5 / 10).
The F-22 has 1.26 times the traction of the F-35 (1.07). In terms of speed, the F-22 has a significant advantage – 2.25 Mach against 1.60 Mach. Despite these indicators, it is assumed that the F-22 will spend more fuel, but this is not the case: the Raptor consumes 0.47 km/l – 1.10 NM/gallon versus 0.80 km/l – 1.68 NM/gallon for the F-35.
These facts alone are sufficient to infer that the F-22 is the obvious victor in this area.
The dogfight between F-35 and the F-22.
Indicators are equal. Due to their similar attributes, neither fighter can gain the lead over the other. Take a look at these examples: cannon – GAU-22 / A, calibre (mm) – 20 mm, rate of fire (rpm) – 4200, muzzle velocity – 1000 m / s, AAM (first) – AIM-9X, operational range – 0.2 – 50 km, and so on. In other words, both fighters utilise the same gear.
It is just impossible for one of the two to come out ahead even by a sliver of a second with the facts available. In this area, the F-22 and F-35 score zero points.
Costs of the F-35 vs. the F-22
In this area, there are considerable disparities that will tip the scales in one of two directions. The F-22 costs $ 250 million for a single aircraft, while the F-35 costs $ 180 million. The cost of an hour of flight is also significant — the F-22 costs over $ 61,000, while the F-35 costs only $ 43,000, with Lockheed Martin stating that it will be reduced to $ 25,000 within five years.
In terms of length, wingspan, and wing area, the F-35 has a slight advantage, but it performs better. It’s also less heavy. In this category, the only advantage of the F-22 is maybe the more powerful engine, which may be an advantage nowadays.
In this area, as well as in the battle versus the F-22, the F-35 triumphs.
Conclusion
Today, the F-35 is superior to the F-22. This triumph does not imply that if both aircraft are in the air at the same time, the F-35 will be the obvious winner. It’s hard to ignore the most important component in such a comparison: the pilots’ abilities and current situation.
The F-22, on the other hand, is not a “closed shop.” He is claimed to have a chance of remaining in service because he is the US military’s only true interceptor fighter, whereas the F-35 is a fifth-generation multi-role fighter designed to dominate the skies.
