F22 vs F35: 5 Key Differences

Introduction to the F22 and F35

The F22 Raptor and the F35 Lightning II are two of the most advanced fighter jets in the world, developed by Lockheed Martin for the United States military. While both aircraft are designed for air superiority and ground attack missions, they have distinct differences in terms of design, capabilities, and purpose. In this article, we will explore the 5 key differences between the F22 and F35, highlighting their unique features and characteristics.

Design and Aerodynamics

The F22 Raptor is a fifth-generation, single-seat, twin-engine fighter jet designed for air superiority and ground attack missions. Its design features a unique blend of stealth technology, advanced avionics, and supercruise capability, allowing it to fly at supersonic speeds without afterburners. The F22’s aerodynamic design includes a curved airframe, canted vertical stabilizers, and a saw-toothed edge on the engine nozzles, which help to reduce its radar cross-section.

In contrast, the F35 Lightning II is a fifth-generation, single-seat, single-engine multirole fighter designed for air-to-air, air-to-ground, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. The F35’s design features a more conventional layout, with a straight airframe, vertical stabilizers, and a distinctive tail section. While the F35 is not as stealthy as the F22, it has a more advanced avionics system and a greater emphasis on network-centric warfare.

Capabilities and Performance

The F22 Raptor is widely regarded as one of the most capable air superiority fighters in the world, with a top speed of over Mach 2.25 (around 1,800 mph) and a climb rate of over 22,000 feet per minute. The F22 is also equipped with advanced radar and electronic warfare systems, including the AN/APG-77 radar and the AN/ALR-94 electronic warfare system.

The F35 Lightning II, on the other hand, has a top speed of around Mach 1.6 (around 1,200 mph) and a climb rate of around 10,000 feet per minute. While the F35 is not as fast or agile as the F22, it has a more advanced avionics system, including the AN/APG-81 radar and the AN/ASQ-239 electronic warfare system. The F35 is also designed to carry a wider range of weapons, including air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground missiles, and precision-guided bombs.

Stealth Technology

Both the F22 and F35 feature advanced stealth technology, designed to reduce their radar cross-section and make them more difficult to detect. The F22’s stealth design includes a curved airframe, canted vertical stabilizers, and a saw-toothed edge on the engine nozzles, which help to scatter radar waves and reduce its visibility.

The F35’s stealth design is less advanced than the F22’s, but still features a number of stealthy design elements, including a faceted airframe, radar-absorbent materials, and a redesigned tail section. However, the F35’s larger size and more conventional design make it more visible on radar than the F22.

Cost and Production

The F22 Raptor is a highly expensive aircraft, with a unit cost of around $150 million per plane. The F22 program was also plagued by cost overruns and production delays, which limited the number of aircraft produced to just 187.

The F35 Lightning II, on the other hand, has a unit cost of around $80 million per plane, although this cost is expected to rise as the program continues. The F35 program is also much larger than the F22 program, with over 3,000 aircraft planned for production.

Key Differences

Here are the 5 key differences between the F22 and F35: * Design and purpose: The F22 is designed for air superiority, while the F35 is designed for multirole operations. * Stealth technology: The F22 has more advanced stealth technology than the F35. * Capabilities and performance: The F22 is faster and more agile than the F35. * Avionics and electronics: The F35 has more advanced avionics and electronics than the F22. * Cost and production: The F22 is more expensive than the F35, and was produced in much smaller numbers.

💡 Note: The F22 and F35 are both highly advanced aircraft, but they have distinct differences in terms of design, capabilities, and purpose.

Comparison Table

Aircraft	F22 Raptor	F35 Lightning II
Top speed	Mach 2.25 (around 1,800 mph)	Mach 1.6 (around 1,200 mph)
Climb rate	22,000 feet per minute	10,000 feet per minute
Stealth technology	Advanced stealth design	Less advanced stealth design
Unit cost	150 million per plane</td> <td>80 million per plane
Production numbers	187 aircraft	Over 3,000 aircraft planned

In summary, the F22 Raptor and the F35 Lightning II are two highly advanced fighter jets with distinct differences in terms of design, capabilities, and purpose. While the F22 is designed for air superiority and features more advanced stealth technology, the F35 is designed for multirole operations and has a more advanced avionics system. The F22 is also more expensive and was produced in much smaller numbers than the F35. Understanding these differences is essential for appreciating the unique strengths and weaknesses of each aircraft, and for evaluating their potential applications in modern military operations.