In the realm of contemporary aerial combat, the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II reign supreme, representing the apex of technology, design, and firepower. Engineered by Lockheed Martin, these stealth fighters encapsulate the evolution of modern aviation, offering unparalleled performance and capabilities. While both aircraft project formidable power, they are purpose-built for distinct mission profiles, making a head-to-head comparison intriguing. How would these two titans fare if pitted against each other in a hypothetical duel in the skies?

The F-22 Raptor, an air superiority fighter, is known for its extreme maneuverability, top-speed, and altitude performance, attributes that would likely offer a distinct advantage in a traditional dogfight scenario. Meanwhile, the F-35 Lightning II, designed as a multirole fighter with an emphasis on ground attack missions, boasts advanced sensor packages and avionics that facilitate unparalleled situational awareness and network-centric warfare capabilities. This matchup begs the question, which one of these state-of-the-art aircraft would prevail in a direct confrontation? Would it be the swift and agile Raptor, or could the Lightning II’s advanced systems and versatility provide it the upper hand? The following article delves into the specifics of this fascinating conjecture, analyzing each aircraft’s strengths and potential vulnerabilities when set against the other.

Below are the criterion we use to differentiate the two fighter jets. One point given for the best.

1. Maximum speed: F-22 has a max speed of around Mach 2.25 (1 point F-22)
2. Max speed at top altitude: Both aircraft are optimized for different mission profiles and specific data is classified. Let’s call this a tie.
3. Rate of acceleration: Specific data is classified but F-22 is generally considered to have a superior rate of acceleration due to its thrust vectoring capabilities (1 point F-22).
4. Rate of climb: Specific figures are classified, but the F-22 is generally considered to have superior climb rate (1 point F-22).
5. Top altitude: Both are classified but F-22 reportedly has a higher service ceiling (1 point F-22).
6. Longest range: F-35 has a slightly longer range on internal fuel (1 point F-35).
7. Longest range with missiles: This data is highly variable depending on payload configuration and is likely classified. No points assigned.
8. Missiles power: Both aircraft can deploy a range of powerful munitions and this largely depends on the specific missile used, not the aircraft. No points assigned.
9. Overall maneuverability: The F-22 has thrust vectoring and is often considered more maneuverable (1 point F-22).
10. Dogfight ability: F-22 is often considered superior in a classic dogfight scenario due to its speed and maneuverability (1 point F-22).
11. Stealth: Both are advanced stealth aircraft but the F-22 is a larger aircraft with its weapons carried externally, which could impact its radar cross-section (1 point F-35).
12. Multiple missile targeting: Both aircraft can engage multiple targets simultaneously. No points assigned.
13. Longest distance to lock missile: This depends more on the missile and radar systems than the aircraft itself. Both are equipped with state-of-the-art systems. No points assigned.
14. Pilot assistance: The F-35 has more advanced avionics and pilot assistance systems, including the helmet-mounted display system (1 point F-35).
15. Ability to land on short runways: The F-35B has STOVL capabilities, allowing it to land almost anywhere (1 point F-35).
16. Hourly operational cost: As of my training data, the F-35 has a higher hourly operational cost than the F-22 (1 point F-22).
17. Engine power: The F-22 has more thrust with its two F119 engines compared to the F-35’s single F135 engine (1 point F-22).
18. Short take-off and landing (STOL): The F-35B variant has STOVL capabilities (1 point F-35).
19. Complexity of training: Both aircraft require extensive training but the F-35’s more advanced systems could potentially add to its training complexity. However, there isn’t sufficient data to decisively assign a point.

Tallying up the points, we have:

• F-22 Raptor: 7 points
• F-35 Lightning II: 5 points

While both the F-22 Raptor and the F-35 Lightning II are cutting-edge aircraft designed to dominate their respective fields, there are compelling reasons to consider the F-22 as the superior fighter jet in a direct confrontation. Primarily an air superiority fighter, the F-22 outpaces the F-35 in key performance parameters such as speed, rate of climb, maneuverability, and service ceiling. Its superior thrust-to-weight ratio, combined with thrust vectoring capabilities, gives it a decisive edge in air-to-air combat scenarios.

That said, it’s crucial to understand that these aircraft are designed with different missions in mind. The F-22 Raptor, with its unmatched air dominance capabilities, excels in air superiority roles. On the other hand, the F-35 was designed as a multirole fighter, with advanced sensors, stealth capabilities, and superior networked data fusion capabilities, making it an indispensable tool for a wide range of missions beyond air-to-air combat. So, while the F-22 may hold an advantage in a traditional dogfight scenario, the strengths of the F-35 lie in its versatility, interoperability, and advanced avionics. Nevertheless, in a head-to-head matchup, it seems likely that the F-22’s superior kinematic performance would grant it the upper hand.

Fly a jet fighter is the fighter jet experience specialist.