Technical analysis of the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II: design, performance, missions, pilot training, costs, and strategic differences.
An aerial duel at the top
The debate between the F-22 Raptor fighter jet and the F-35 Lightning II remains central to the field of military aviation. These two fifth-generation aircraft symbolize the technological advance of the United States, but they respond to very different rationales. On one side is the Raptor, designed to guarantee air superiority against any opponent. On the other is the Lightning II, designed as a multi-role fighter accessible to several allied armies. This duel, often caricatured as a simple power struggle, deserves in-depth analysis: design, performance, missions, costs, training, and operational prospects.
A design conceived for distinct philosophies
The design of the F-22 Raptor
The F-22 Raptor entered service in 2005. Its architecture emphasizes stealth and maneuverability. The slanted air intakes, the alignment of the leading edges, and the extensive use of absorbent materials reduce its radar signature. It has a wingspan of 13.56 meters, a length of 18.90 meters, and a maximum takeoff weight of 38 tons. Everything about its design is geared toward air superiority. Internal weapon bays reduce drag and maintain a stealth profile, even when armed.
The design of the F-35 Lightning II
The F-35 Lightning II, developed later and introduced in 2016, follows a different logic. Lockheed Martin has produced three versions: the F-35A (conventional), the F-35B (short takeoff and vertical landing) and the F-35C (naval version). At 15.7 meters long with a wingspan of 10.7 meters, it is more compact and lighter than the Raptor. The aircraft is designed to be versatile, capable of striking ground targets, conducting reconnaissance missions, and participating in air-sea operations. Its airframe incorporates a large cockpit with a panoramic display designed for data fusion.
Major difference: the F-22 focuses on air superiority, while the F-35 focuses on joint adaptability.
A comparison of technical performance
The speed and power of the F-22
The Raptor is powered by two Pratt & Whitney F119-PW-100 engines with thrust vectoring nozzles. It can reach Mach 2.25 (2,410 km/h) and, more importantly, maintain prolonged supersonic flight without afterburners, a capability known as supersonic cruise. Its operational ceiling is 20,000 meters and its range exceeds 850 kilometers without external fuel tanks. Its maneuverability is exceptional: post-stall turns, cobra dives, and other extreme maneuvers are possible thanks to flow control via the nozzles.
The speed and capabilities of the F-35
The Lightning II is powered by a single Pratt & Whitney F135 engine developing 191 kN of thrust. Its top speed is limited to Mach 1.6 (1,975 km/h). Its ceiling is slightly lower than that of the Raptor (15,000 meters). Its range, on the other hand, is 1,100 kilometers, making it more durable for ground support missions.
The speed of the F-22 compared to the F-35 illustrates the difference in priorities: the former aims for air superiority, while the latter favors operational versatility.
Stealth: a common feature, but not identical
The stealth of the F-22 Raptor
The Raptor was the first fighter aircraft designed from the outset to be virtually invisible to radar. Composite materials, angular shapes, and thermal management significantly reduce its detectability. The F-22’s RCS (radar cross section) is said to be equivalent to that of a small bird, well below that of fourth-generation aircraft.
The stealth of the F-35 Lightning II
The Lightning II takes this approach and adapts it to series production and export. Its RCS is higher than that of the Raptor but remains well below that of an F-16 or a Rafale. The aircraft is designed to operate in a network, using its sensors to share information and minimize its exposure.
Notable difference: the Raptor is the champion of pure stealth, but the F-35 compensates with electronic and informational superiority.
Very different weaponry and missions
The F-22’s weaponry
The F-22 carries six AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles and two AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles in air-to-air configuration. It can also carry two 450 kg GBU-32 JDAM guided bombs. Its weaponry remains limited but is geared towards air combat.
The F-35’s arsenal
The F-35 can carry two 900 kg JDAM bombs or eight SDB bombs, as well as AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles. Its multi-role capability is enhanced by the integration of cruise missiles, guided bombs, and weapons suitable for precision strikes. Its cargo bay is more versatile, and its wings allow for increased payload at the expense of stealth.
A comparison between the F-22 and the F-35 reveals one aircraft designed for pure air combat and another designed to strike anywhere, under any circumstances.
Missions carried out by the two aircraft
Operations of the F-22 Raptor
The Raptor was deployed in Syria and Iraq as part of the coalition against ISIS. It carried out air superiority and escort missions, but also conducted precision strikes using its guided weapons. However, its use remained limited because the aircraft is valuable and expensive.
F-35 Lightning II operations
The F-35 saw its first combat missions in 2018 with the Israeli Air Force, then with the US Marine Corps. It has participated in strikes in Iraq, Afghanistan, and more recently in Eastern Europe on deterrence missions. Its presence in more than 15 allied air forces makes it a coalition fighter par excellence.
Pilot training and ergonomics
Training on the F-22
Flying an F-22 requires a high level of preparation. Extreme maneuvers, vector thrust management, and stealth require intensive training. Flight simulators supplement actual flight hours, but the small fleet limits the number of pilots who can be trained.
Training on the F-35
The F-35 was designed to simplify the pilot’s life. Its cockpit, with a large panoramic touchscreen and HMDS (Helmet Mounted Display System) augmented reality helmet, merges all data. The workload is reduced, allowing less experienced pilots to maintain high efficiency.
Key difference: the F-22 requires elite fighter pilots, while the F-35 aims to democratize access to fifth-generation aircraft.
The cost of the two aircraft
The cost of the F-22 Raptor
The Raptor is one of the most expensive fighter jets ever produced. The unit cost exceeds $150 million, not including maintenance. The program was halted after 187 units were produced, deemed too expensive in light of strategic developments.
The cost of the F-35 Lightning II
The F-35 was designed to be less expensive thanks to mass production. The price of the F-35A fell to around $80 million per unit in 2022, making it competitive with previous-generation aircraft. Its maintenance costs remain high, but this is offset by the widespread use of the program.
The strategic difference between the two aircraft
- The air superiority of the F-22 Raptor: no enemy fleet can compete directly in close combat or high-intensity interception.
- The versatility of the F-35 Lightning II: its sensor network, multi-role capability, and integration with allied forces make it a political and military tool.
- The duel between the F-22 Raptor and the F-35 is not just technical: it reflects two visions of air warfare.
Which to choose between the F-22 Raptor and the F-35 Lightning II?
The comparison of the performance of the F-22 and the F-35 is not simply a matter of raw superiority. The F-22 remains the ideal aircraft for ensuring air superiority against an equivalent force. The F-35, on the other hand, is the multi-role, interoperable and adaptable solution, perfectly integrated with NATO forces and coalitions.
The two aircraft embody different strategic choices: the search for a decisive advantage for the Raptor, and the pooling of capabilities for the Lightning II. The future of combat aviation will undoubtedly depend less on the duel between these two fighters than on their integration into a global network of sensors, drones, and connected systems.
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