Intro
Uncover the differences between the F-35 and F-22, two of the worlds most advanced stealth fighter jets. Learn about their design, capabilities, and performance, including speed, maneuverability, and combat radius. Discover the unique features of each aircraft, such as the F-35s multi-role functionality and the F-22s air superiority focus.
The F-35 Lightning II and the F-22 Raptor are two of the most advanced fifth-generation stealth fighter jets in the world. Both aircraft are designed to operate in a network-centric environment, providing unparalleled air superiority and ground attack capabilities. Despite their similarities, there are significant differences between the two aircraft.
Development History
The F-22 Raptor, developed by Lockheed Martin, is a single-seat, twin-engine fifth-generation supermaneuverable fighter aircraft. The first F-22 was delivered to the US Air Force in 2005, and the aircraft entered operational service in 2008.
In contrast, the F-35 Lightning II, also developed by Lockheed Martin, is a family of single-seat, single-engine, fifth-generation multirole fighters. The F-35 is designed to perform a variety of tasks, including air-to-air combat, air-to-ground strikes, and reconnaissance. The first F-35 was delivered to the US Air Force in 2011.
Design and Features
The F-22 Raptor is designed as a pure air superiority fighter, with a focus on speed, maneuverability, and stealth. The aircraft features a unique design with two Pratt & Whitney F119-PW-100 engines, which provide a combined 35,000 pounds of thrust. The F-22 also features a highly advanced avionics system, including a Northrop Grumman AN/APG-77 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar.
In contrast, the F-35 Lightning II is designed as a multirole fighter, with a focus on versatility and adaptability. The aircraft features a single Pratt & Whitney F135 engine, which provides 22,000 pounds of thrust. The F-35 also features a highly advanced avionics system, including a Northrop Grumman AN/APG-81 AESA radar.
Stealth Capabilities
Both the F-22 and F-35 are designed to be stealthy, with a reduced radar cross-section (RCS) to evade detection. However, the F-22 has a more advanced stealth design, with a reduced RCS of around 0.0001 square meters. The F-35 has a reduced RCS of around 0.0004 square meters.
Avionics and Sensors
The F-22 Raptor features a highly advanced avionics system, including the Northrop Grumman AN/APG-77 AESA radar. The radar provides unparalleled air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities, with a range of over 150 miles. The F-22 also features a highly advanced electronic warfare (EW) system, which provides real-time threat detection and countermeasures.
In contrast, the F-35 Lightning II features a highly advanced avionics system, including the Northrop Grumman AN/APG-81 AESA radar. The radar provides unparalleled air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities, with a range of over 100 miles. The F-35 also features a highly advanced EW system, which provides real-time threat detection and countermeasures.
Performance Characteristics
The F-22 Raptor has a top speed of over Mach 2.25, making it one of the fastest fighter jets in the world. The aircraft has a range of over 1,600 miles, and a service ceiling of over 60,000 feet.
In contrast, the F-35 Lightning II has a top speed of over Mach 1.6, with a range of over 1,200 miles, and a service ceiling of over 50,000 feet.
Armament and Payload
The F-22 Raptor has a payload capacity of over 22,000 pounds, with six underwing hardpoints and two internal bays. The aircraft can carry a variety of air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions, including the AIM-120 AMRAAM and the GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb.
In contrast, the F-35 Lightning II has a payload capacity of over 18,000 pounds, with four underwing hardpoints and two internal bays. The aircraft can carry a variety of air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions, including the AIM-120 AMRAAM and the GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb.
Operational History
The F-22 Raptor has been operational since 2008, with the US Air Force deploying the aircraft to various regions around the world. The aircraft has participated in several combat operations, including Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
In contrast, the F-35 Lightning II has been operational since 2015, with the US Air Force deploying the aircraft to various regions around the world. The aircraft has participated in several combat operations, including Operation Inherent Resolve.
Comparison Summary
F-22 Raptor | F-35 Lightning II | |
---|---|---|
Top Speed | Mach 2.25 | Mach 1.6 |
Range | 1,600 miles | 1,200 miles |
Service Ceiling | 60,000 feet | 50,000 feet |
Payload Capacity | 22,000 pounds | 18,000 pounds |
Radar | AN/APG-77 AESA | AN/APG-81 AESA |
EW System | Advanced EW system | Advanced EW system |
Gallery of F35 vs F22
F-35 vs F-22 Image Gallery
What is the main difference between the F-22 and F-35?
+The main difference between the F-22 and F-35 is their design and purpose. The F-22 is a pure air superiority fighter, while the F-35 is a multirole fighter designed for air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.
Which aircraft has a higher top speed?
+The F-22 Raptor has a higher top speed, with a maximum speed of over Mach 2.25.
What is the difference between the radar systems of the F-22 and F-35?
+The F-22 Raptor features the AN/APG-77 AESA radar, while the F-35 Lightning II features the AN/APG-81 AESA radar. The AN/APG-77 radar is considered more advanced and provides a longer range.