Technical and military comparison of the F-22 Raptor and the Sukhoi Su-57: performance, avionics, weaponry, stealth.
Summary
The American F-22 Raptor and the Russian Sukhoi Su-57 are two fifth-generation fighters developed to ensure air superiority in highly contested environments. The F-22 entered service in 2005 in the United States and combines supersonic speed, stealth, thrust vectors, and advanced avionics. The Su-57, which entered service in 2020, aims to combine stealth, maneuverability, and air-to-air and air-to-ground versatility for Russia. In this technical comparison, we will examine their flight performance, maneuverability, propulsion system, avionics and electronics, weapons capabilities, stealth, reliability and maintenance, mission capabilities, survivability, ergonomics and user interface, costs, and scalability. The goal is to identify the strengths and weaknesses of each and give a clear verdict on which one appears to be superior across all of these criteria.
Technical presentation of the F-22 Raptor
The F-22 Raptor is built by Lockheed Martin in collaboration with Boeing for the United States Air Force. Its dimensions are: length approximately 18.9 m, wingspan 13.6 m, height 5.1 m. It has two Pratt & Whitney F119-PW-100 turbofan engines with two-dimensional thrust vectors. Each engine produces around 156 kN of thrust (≈35,000 lbf) in the afterburner version. Its empty weight is approximately 19,700 kg. It can reach a maximum speed of over Mach 2 (~2,450 km/h) and has a supercruise capability (supersonic speed without afterburner) of approximately Mach 1.5 at 50,000 ft (~15,240 m). Its ferry range, with external fuel and refueling, exceeds 2,960 km (1,850 nm). The F-22 has internal missile bays to preserve stealth. It uses AN/APG-77 AESA radar, an ALR-94 EW system, and an advanced sensor fusion architecture. Its air-to-air weaponry typically consists of AIM-120 AMRAAM and AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles. It can also carry out air-to-ground strikes. Its radar, infrared, and acoustic signatures have been greatly reduced thanks to its shape, absorber materials, and drag reducers. The F-22 is renowned for its high maneuverability: 9-g maneuvers and thrust vectors give it a very good thrust-to-weight ratio. In terms of maintenance, it experienced initial challenges (high costs, limited availability) but has seen improvements. The unit cost was very high, and the fleet was limited (less than 200 aircraft). The cockpit is digital, with HOTAS controls and modern instrumentation. In terms of scalability, the program was designed for regular software and hardware updates.
Technical presentation of the Sukhoi Su-57
The Su-57 is being developed by Sukhoi Design Bureau/United Aircraft Corporation for the Russian forces. Its specifications: length 20.1 m, wingspan 14.1 m, height 4.6 m. Empty weight ~18,500 kg, maximum takeoff weight ~35,000 kg. It is equipped with two AL-41F1 engines (or derivatives) providing approximately 142 kN (≈14.5 tons) of thrust in afterburner mode, with later versions expected to provide around 167 kN. The Su-57 can reach speeds in excess of Mach 2 (~2,100 km/h or more), and has an estimated climb rate of up to 330-361 m/s (~1,100-1,180 ft/s). It is multifunctional: air-to-air, air-to-ground, reconnaissance, and defense suppression. It carries weapons in internal bays, K/R-77M or R-74M2 missiles, and a 30 mm GSh-30-1 cannon. Its avionics are based on modular architecture, a Russian multi-core processor, thrust vector control (TVC), a Russian AESA radome, and an integrated electronic warfare system. In terms of stealth, the Su-57 uses techniques such as S-shaped intake ducts, absorbent materials, and a low RCS configuration. It is still in limited production (around 30 units in 2023). The unit cost is less well documented but is estimated to be lower than some of its Western counterparts. Russia aims to boost exports. The cockpit is digital, with a head-up display and modern controls. The Su-57 has planned upgrade capabilities: new “Izdeliye 30” engine, integration of hypersonic weapons. However, certain aspects such as operational availability, engine reliability, and stealth are less mature than for the F-22.
Comparison table: F-22 vs. SU-57
| Criterion | F-22 Raptor | Su-57 | Score (best) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight Performance | Max speed > Mach 2 (~1,500 mph); supercruise ~ Mach 1.5; operational altitude > 15,000 m; ferry range ~2,960 km | Max speed ~ Mach 2+ (~2,100-2,400 km/h); climb rate ~330-361 m/s; max weight ~35,000 kg; range less documented | F-22 (1-0) |
| Maneuverability | Thrust vectoring, very good turning radius, high agility at low and high speeds | Russian TVC, good thrust-to-weight ratio, high maneuverability but operational testing still limited | F-22 (2-0) |
| Propulsion system | F119-PW-100 engines: ~156 kN each; high reliability after improvement | AL-41F1 engines, etc.: ~142 kN then upgrades; reliability improving but uncertain | F-22 (3-0) |
| Avionics and Electronics | AN/APG-77 AESA radar, ALR-94 EW system, excellent sensor fusion | Russian radars, modular system, modern digital architecture but less proven | F-22 (4-0) |
| Weapons Capabilities | Internal, AIM-120/9 missiles, air-to-ground bomb option, scalable integration | Internal, Russian K/R-77M and R-74M2 missiles, future hypersonic weapons, good versatility | Su-57 (4-1) |
| Stealth | Shape, materials, internal bays, significantly reduced infrared signature | Russian stealth techniques but signature probably higher than F-22 | F-22 (5-1) |
| Reliability and Maintenance | Limited fleet but improved reliability, high MTBF, well-organized maintenance | Production still young, more demanding maintenance, lower availability | F-22 (6-1) |
| Mission Capabilities | Dominant air superiority, air-to-ground, reconnaissance, allied integration | Planned multi-role, air-to-air and air-to-ground, future export, still a minority | Su-57 (6-2) |
| Survivability | Advanced self-protection systems, ACES II ejection seats, good protection | Good defense capabilities, but less actual operational experience | F-22 (7-2) |
| Ergonomics and User Interface | Modern cockpit, HOTAS controls, good ergonomics | Modern Russian cockpit, but less public documentation on interface | F-22 (8-2) |
| Costs | High unit cost (~$150-200 million depending on period), high operating costs | Estimated to be less expensive, but total cost not public, limited fleet | Su-57 (8-3) |
| Scalability | Architecture designed for upgrades, long service life | High modularity planned, but depends on future engines and maturity | F-22 (9-3) |
Total: F-22 = 9 points, Su-57 = 3 points.
Based on this comparison, the F-22 Raptor appears to be significantly better than the Su-57 on most criteria: flight performance, maneuverability, propulsion, avionics, stealth, reliability, and ergonomics. The Su-57 has some interesting advantages in terms of diversified weaponry and potential cost, but suffers from operational delays, limited production, and technological maturity that is inferior to that of the F-22. My opinion is that, in a real-world scenario of air superiority in a contested zone, the F-22 would offer true superiority. The Su-57 remains a highly capable platform under development, but for now it does not match the overall level of the Raptor. For those looking for the “best” aircraft today, the F-22 wins. For the future, the Su-57 is worth watching, but it will have to prove itself.
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