{"id":"cmqq1684400tb10ns5a45egt0","slug":"f35-vs-f22","title":"F-35 Lightning II vs F-22 Raptor","shortAnswer":"The F-22 Raptor is a pure air-superiority fighter with superior speed (Mach 2.25 vs Mach 1.6) and maneuverability, while the F-35 Lightning II is a multi-role combat aircraft designed for versatility across air, ground, and naval missions with advanced sensor fusion and lower operational costs.","keyDifferences":[{"label":"Primary Mission","winner":"a","entityAValue":"Multi-role (air combat, ground attack, naval support, electronic warfare)","entityBValue":"Air-superiority fighter"},{"label":"Maximum Speed","winner":"b","entityAValue":"Mach 1.6 (1,190 mph)","entityBValue":"Mach 2.25 (1,500 mph)"},{"label":"Stealth Technology","winner":"tie","entityAValue":"5th generation with sensor fusion and integrated avionics","entityBValue":"5th generation optimized for frontal aspect stealth"},{"label":"Combat Radius","winner":"a","entityAValue":"545 nautical miles (air-to-air)","entityBValue":"410 nautical miles"},{"label":"Unit Cost (2024)","winner":"a","entityAValue":"$131 million (flyaway cost)","entityBValue":"$361 million (program acquisition cost)"},{"label":"Operational Availability Rate","winner":"b","entityAValue":"56% (2023 data)","entityBValue":"72% (2023 data)"},{"label":"International Adoption","winner":"a","entityAValue":"19 partner nations","entityBValue":"0 partner nations (U.S. only)"}],"verdict":"The F-22 Raptor dominates in pure air-superiority scenarios with unmatched speed, acceleration, and dogfighting capability, making it the premier air dominance fighter. The F-35 Lightning II excels as a multi-role platform with superior sensor fusion, operational flexibility, and international interoperability at lower cost. Choose the F-22 if air-to-air supremacy and supercruise capability are priorities; choose the F-35 if mission versatility, allied coordination, and long-term sustainment costs matter more.","category":"military","entities":[{"id":"cmqoogbs700fm3w9aww661w8h","slug":"f-35-lightning-ii","name":"F-35 Lightning II","shortDesc":"5th-generation stealth multirole fighter with advanced sensor fusion and multinational development.","imageUrl":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/61/F-35A_flight_%28cropped%29.jpg/330px-F-35A_flight_%28cropped%29.jpg","entityType":"technology","position":0,"pros":["Sensor fusion and distributed aperture system provides 360° situational awareness","Multi-role capability reduces need for separate platforms (combat, CAS, SEAD, ISR)","Longer combat radius of 545 nautical miles enables extended operations","Significantly lower unit cost ($131M vs $361M) reduces acquisition burden","Adopted by 19 allied nations enabling real-time data sharing and interoperability"],"cons":["Maximum speed of Mach 1.6 limits energy advantage in sustained dogfighting scenarios","Operational readiness rate of 56% indicates sustained maintenance and logistics challenges","Single engine limits redundancy compared to twin-engine fighter designs"],"bestFor":"Coalition operations requiring interoperability, multi-mission flexibility, and cost-conscious force structure expansion"},{"id":"cmqpt6gh000au73at205w4n2y","slug":"f-22-raptor","name":"F-22 Raptor","shortDesc":"Single-engine stealth air superiority fighter designed for dominance in dogfighting and peer-level air combat.","imageUrl":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1e/F-22_Raptor_edit1_%28cropped%29.jpg/330px-F-22_Raptor_edit1_%28cropped%29.jpg","entityType":"technology","position":1,"pros":["Supercruise capability at Mach 1.5+ without afterburner sustains energy advantage","Maximum speed of Mach 2.25 provides decisive speed advantage in all engagement scenarios","Operational readiness rate of 72% demonstrates superior sustainment and reliability","Integrated avionics with 2,000+ element phased array radar detects targets at extended range","Twin-engine redundancy and 9g maneuverability provide superior survivability in close-in combat"],"cons":["Unit acquisition cost of $361 million is 2.75× higher than F-35, limiting fleet size","Restricted to U.S. use only due to classified technology—no allied adoption or interoperability","Shorter combat radius of 410 nautical miles requires more forward positioning and tanker support"],"bestFor":"Air dominance missions in denied airspace where speed, maneuverability, and supercruise capability provide decisive tactical advantage"}],"attributes":[{"id":"cmqmnrb2800en8q830b6qol7y","slug":"combat-radius","name":"Combat Radius","unit":"nautical miles","category":"Performance","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":true,"values":[{"entityId":"cmqoogbs700fm3w9aww661w8h","valueText":"900 nm","valueNumber":900,"valueBoolean":null,"winner":true},{"entityId":"cmqpt6gh000au73at205w4n2y","valueText":"760 nm","valueNumber":760,"valueBoolean":null,"winner":false}]},{"id":"cmqq1685500tt10nskbj82y5v","slug":"flyaway-cost","name":"Flyaway Cost","unit":"USD millions","category":"Cost","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":false,"values":[{"entityId":"cmqoogbs700fm3w9aww661w8h","valueText":"$131 million","valueNumber":131,"valueBoolean":null,"winner":true},{"entityId":"cmqpt6gh000au73at205w4n2y","valueText":"$361 million","valueNumber":361,"valueBoolean":null,"winner":false}]},{"id":"cmqq1685e00tz10ns1yvq7pk6","slug":"maximum-g-force","name":"Maximum G-Force","unit":"g","category":"Maneuverability","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":true,"values":[{"entityId":"cmqoogbs700fm3w9aww661w8h","valueText":"9g","valueNumber":9,"valueBoolean":null},{"entityId":"cmqpt6gh000au73at205w4n2y","valueText":"9g","valueNumber":9,"valueBoolean":null}]},{"id":"cmqq1685m00u510ns36pnyil6","slug":"radar-range-detection-","name":"Radar Range (Detection)","unit":"nautical miles","category":"Sensors","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":true,"values":[{"entityId":"cmqoogbs700fm3w9aww661w8h","valueText":"150+ nm (passive targeting)","valueNumber":150,"valueBoolean":null,"winner":false},{"entityId":"cmqpt6gh000au73at205w4n2y","valueText":"200+ nm (APG-77 active array)","valueNumber":200,"valueBoolean":null,"winner":true}]},{"id":"cmqq1685t00ub10ns0w1wax7k","slug":"operational-readiness-rate","name":"Operational Readiness Rate","unit":"percent","category":"Availability","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":true,"values":[{"entityId":"cmqoogbs700fm3w9aww661w8h","valueText":"56%","valueNumber":56,"valueBoolean":null,"winner":false},{"entityId":"cmqpt6gh000au73at205w4n2y","valueText":"72%","valueNumber":72,"valueBoolean":null,"winner":true}]},{"id":"cmqq15nb400rj10nsfklwwnor","slug":"unit-flyaway-cost","name":"Unit Flyaway Cost","unit":"USD millions","category":"Economics","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":false,"values":[{"entityId":"cmqoogbs700fm3w9aww661w8h","valueText":"$130-140 million","valueNumber":135,"valueBoolean":null}]},{"id":"cmqq15nc900s710ns8o3tm1kh","slug":"combat-sorties-total-history-","name":"Combat Sorties (Total History)","unit":"sorties","category":"Operational History","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":true,"values":[{"entityId":"cmqoogbs700fm3w9aww661w8h","valueText":"~2,500 sorties (2018-2024)","valueNumber":2500,"valueBoolean":null}]},{"id":"cmqq15nch00sd10ns1nl456sd","slug":"sensor-fusion-architecture","name":"Sensor Fusion Architecture","unit":"null","category":"Technology","dataType":"text","higherIsBetter":null,"values":[{"entityId":"cmqoogbs700fm3w9aww661w8h","valueText":"Integrated DAS with real-time sensor fusion & AI processing","valueNumber":null,"valueBoolean":null}]},{"id":"cmqq15ncp00sj10nsvc59ug1v","slug":"operational-service-years","name":"Operational Service Years","unit":"years","category":"Maturity","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":true,"values":[{"entityId":"cmqoogbs700fm3w9aww661w8h","valueText":"8 years in combat operations (2018-2026)","valueNumber":8,"valueBoolean":null}]},{"id":"cmqq15ncx00sp10nst0snsu64","slug":"first-look-combat-range-advantage","name":"First-Look Combat Range Advantage","unit":"miles","category":"Engagement","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":true,"values":[{"entityId":"cmqoogbs700fm3w9aww661w8h","valueText":"200+ mile detection while remaining undetected","valueNumber":200,"valueBoolean":null}]},{"id":"cmqq1686000uh10nsq5somb1v","slug":"international-operators","name":"International Operators","unit":"nations","category":"Adoption","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":true,"values":[{"entityId":"cmqoogbs700fm3w9aww661w8h","valueText":"19 nations","valueNumber":19,"valueBoolean":null,"winner":true},{"entityId":"cmqpt6gh000au73at205w4n2y","valueText":"1 nation (U.S. only)","valueNumber":1,"valueBoolean":null,"winner":false}]},{"id":"cmqq1686800un10nsgieako8p","slug":"supercruise-speed","name":"Supercruise Speed","unit":"Mach","category":"Performance","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":true,"values":[{"entityId":"cmqoogbs700fm3w9aww661w8h","valueText":"Not capable","valueNumber":null,"valueBoolean":null},{"entityId":"cmqpt6gh000au73at205w4n2y","valueText":"Mach 1.5+","valueNumber":1.5,"valueBoolean":null}]},{"id":"cmqmnrb0z00e58q83fea93wbt","slug":"unit-acquisition-cost","name":"Unit Acquisition Cost","unit":"USD millions","category":"Economics","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":false,"values":[{"entityId":"cmqoogbs700fm3w9aww661w8h","valueText":"$165-170M","valueNumber":167.5,"valueBoolean":null,"winner":true},{"entityId":"cmqpt6gh000au73at205w4n2y","valueText":"$350-380 million","valueNumber":365,"valueBoolean":null,"winner":false}]},{"id":"cmqoognvl00g13w9ah8r6zk7y","slug":"combat-radius-no-refueling-","name":"Combat Radius (no refueling)","unit":"kilometers","category":"Performance","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":true,"values":[{"entityId":"cmqoogbs700fm3w9aww661w8h","valueText":"920 km","valueNumber":920,"valueBoolean":null}]},{"id":"cmqoognw200gd3w9as0yoq8qw","slug":"radar-cross-section","name":"Radar Cross Section","unit":"m²","category":"Stealth","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":false,"values":[{"entityId":"cmqoogbs700fm3w9aww661w8h","valueText":"0.005 m² (frontal)","valueNumber":0.005,"valueBoolean":null}]},{"id":"cmqoognwd00gj3w9a2hegutpg","slug":"internal-weapon-capacity","name":"Internal Weapon Capacity","unit":"lbs","category":"Armament","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":true,"values":[{"entityId":"cmqoogbs700fm3w9aww661w8h","valueText":"18,000 lbs","valueNumber":18000,"valueBoolean":null,"winner":true},{"entityId":"cmqpt6gh000au73at205w4n2y","valueText":"8,000 lbs","valueNumber":8000,"valueBoolean":null,"winner":false}]},{"id":"cmqmnrb3p00fb8q83h4xt82vf","slug":"operational-countries","name":"Operational Countries","unit":"number of nations","category":"Adoption","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":true,"values":[{"entityId":"cmqoogbs700fm3w9aww661w8h","valueText":"13 nations","valueNumber":13,"valueBoolean":null}]},{"id":"cmqoogny900gv3w9aayvsizfn","slug":"service-entry-year","name":"Service Entry Year","unit":"year","category":"Timeline","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":false,"values":[{"entityId":"cmqoogbs700fm3w9aww661w8h","valueText":"2015 (U.S. IOC)","valueNumber":2015,"valueBoolean":null}]},{"id":"cmqoohc1000h13w9ayuuzzgfc","slug":"annual-operating-cost-per-aircraft","name":"Annual Operating Cost Per Aircraft","unit":"USD millions","category":"Economics","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":false,"values":[{"entityId":"cmqoogbs700fm3w9aww661w8h","valueText":"$9.2 million","valueNumber":9.2,"valueBoolean":null,"winner":false},{"entityId":"cmqpt6gh000au73at205w4n2y","valueText":"$8.2 million/year","valueNumber":8.2,"valueBoolean":null,"winner":true}]},{"id":"cmqoofsab00ef3w9awh4tjx3l","slug":"combat-radius-internal-fuel-","name":"Combat Radius (internal fuel)","unit":"nautical miles","category":"Range & Endurance","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":true,"values":[{"entityId":"cmqoogbs700fm3w9aww661w8h","valueText":"1,200 nm","valueNumber":1200,"valueBoolean":null}]},{"id":"cmqphuc37000zr93ik7fl3qnk","slug":"primary-radar-system","name":"Primary Radar System","unit":null,"category":"Avionics","dataType":"text","higherIsBetter":null,"values":[{"entityId":"cmqoogbs700fm3w9aww661w8h","valueText":"AN/APG-81 AESA (1,500+ antenna elements)","valueNumber":1500,"valueBoolean":null}]},{"id":"cmqphuc3h0015r93i9byszpr0","slug":"operational-nations-2024-","name":"Operational Nations (2024)","unit":"countries","category":"Deployment","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":true,"values":[{"entityId":"cmqoogbs700fm3w9aww661w8h","valueText":"15 nations","valueNumber":15,"valueBoolean":null}]},{"id":"cmqphuc3r001br93i836qj6qk","slug":"life-cycle-program-cost","name":"Life-Cycle Program Cost","unit":"USD trillions","category":"Economics","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":false,"values":[{"entityId":"cmqoogbs700fm3w9aww661w8h","valueText":"$1.7 trillion","valueNumber":1700,"valueBoolean":null}]},{"id":"cmqphuc40001hr93i3zx1r86k","slug":"internal-weapons-capacity","name":"Internal Weapons Capacity","unit":"pounds","category":"Armament","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":true,"values":[{"entityId":"cmqoogbs700fm3w9aww661w8h","valueText":"5,700 lbs","valueNumber":5700,"valueBoolean":null,"winner":true},{"entityId":"cmqpt6gh000au73at205w4n2y","valueText":"2,000 lbs","valueNumber":2000,"valueBoolean":null,"winner":false}]},{"id":"cmrdjq10w00nop9y0drhwcy1y","slug":"unit-cost-flyaway-","name":"Unit Cost (Flyaway)","unit":"USD Million","category":"Economics","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":false,"values":[{"entityId":"cmqoogbs700fm3w9aww661w8h","valueText":"$77-85M","valueNumber":81,"valueBoolean":null}]},{"id":"cmrdjq11w00o6p9y0s41chdb9","slug":"combat-radius-clean-","name":"Combat Radius (Clean)","unit":"nautical miles","category":"Performance","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":true,"values":[{"entityId":"cmqoogbs700fm3w9aww661w8h","valueText":"559 nm","valueNumber":559,"valueBoolean":null}]},{"id":"cmrdjq12x00oop9y09vsevtcd","slug":"number-of-nations-operating","name":"Number of Nations Operating","unit":"countries","category":"Adoption","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":true,"values":[{"entityId":"cmqoogbs700fm3w9aww661w8h","valueText":"19 nations","valueNumber":19,"valueBoolean":null}]},{"id":"cmrdjq13a00oup9y0ezgbajmu","slug":"development-cost-total-","name":"Development Cost (Total)","unit":"USD Billion","category":"Economics","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":false,"values":[{"entityId":"cmqoogbs700fm3w9aww661w8h","valueText":"$1.7 trillion (lifecycle)","valueNumber":1700,"valueBoolean":null}]},{"id":"cmqmnrb1v00eh8q834ivpumfw","slug":"maximum-speed","name":"Maximum Speed","unit":"Mach","category":"Performance","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":true,"values":[{"entityId":"cmqoogbs700fm3w9aww661w8h","valueText":"Mach 1.6","valueNumber":1.6,"valueBoolean":null,"winner":false},{"entityId":"cmqpt6gh000au73at205w4n2y","valueText":"Mach 2.25","valueNumber":2.25,"valueBoolean":null,"winner":true}]},{"id":"cmou2jild004dklt06vu32kmz","slug":"service-ceiling","name":"Service Ceiling","unit":"feet","category":"Performance","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":true,"values":[{"entityId":"cmqoogbs700fm3w9aww661w8h","valueText":"50,000 ft","valueNumber":50000,"valueBoolean":null,"winner":false},{"entityId":"cmqpt6gh000au73at205w4n2y","valueText":"65,000 ft","valueNumber":65000,"valueBoolean":null,"winner":true}]},{"id":"cmrc5q27400w1wm9d5boc7z3x","slug":"unit-cost-2024-","name":"Unit Cost (2024)","unit":"USD million","category":"Economics","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":false,"values":[{"entityId":"cmqoogbs700fm3w9aww661w8h","valueText":"$131 million","valueNumber":131,"valueBoolean":null,"winner":true},{"entityId":"cmqpt6gh000au73at205w4n2y","valueText":"$150 million","valueNumber":150,"valueBoolean":null,"winner":false}]},{"id":"cmrc5q27l00wdwm9dujrwthh5","slug":"operating-cost-per-flight-hour","name":"Operating Cost per Flight Hour","unit":"USD thousands","category":"Economics","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":false,"values":[{"entityId":"cmqoogbs700fm3w9aww661w8h","valueText":"$25,000","valueNumber":25,"valueBoolean":null,"winner":true},{"entityId":"cmqpt6gh000au73at205w4n2y","valueText":"$44,000","valueNumber":44,"valueBoolean":null,"winner":false}]},{"id":"cmrc5q27u00wjwm9d10ims7dw","slug":"total-planned-production","name":"Total Planned Production","unit":"aircraft","category":"Production","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":true,"values":[{"entityId":"cmqoogbs700fm3w9aww661w8h","valueText":"2,456 units (projected)","valueNumber":2456,"valueBoolean":null,"winner":true},{"entityId":"cmqpt6gh000au73at205w4n2y","valueText":"187 units (completed)","valueNumber":187,"valueBoolean":null,"winner":false}]},{"id":"cmrc5q28300wpwm9dl2v0bb6b","slug":"operational-variants","name":"Operational Variants","unit":"count","category":"Capability","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":true,"values":[{"entityId":"cmqoogbs700fm3w9aww661w8h","valueText":"3 (conventional, carrier, STOVL)","valueNumber":3,"valueBoolean":null,"winner":true},{"entityId":"cmqpt6gh000au73at205w4n2y","valueText":"1 (air superiority only)","valueNumber":1,"valueBoolean":null,"winner":false}]},{"id":"cmqoofs9p00e33w9afx89sy4w","slug":"radar-cross-section-rcs-","name":"Radar Cross Section (RCS)","unit":"m² (square meters)","category":"Stealth Performance","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":false,"values":[{"entityId":"cmqoogbs700fm3w9aww661w8h","valueText":"0.001 m² (frontal aspect)","valueNumber":0.001,"valueBoolean":null}]},{"id":"cmqpt6gju00br73at69btah0p","slug":"combat-deployments-confirmed-","name":"Combat Deployments (Confirmed)","unit":"number of operations","category":"Operational Experience","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":true,"values":[{"entityId":"cmqoogbs700fm3w9aww661w8h","valueText":"2 (limited combat ops)","valueNumber":2,"valueBoolean":null,"winner":false},{"entityId":"cmqpt6gh000au73at205w4n2y","valueText":"100+ deployments","valueNumber":100,"valueBoolean":null,"winner":true}]},{"id":"cmrc7xiid0057z4v0ogsf2128","slug":"maximum-turn-rate","name":"Maximum Turn Rate","unit":"g-force (gravitational force)","category":"Maneuverability","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":true,"values":[{"entityId":"cmqoogbs700fm3w9aww661w8h","valueText":"5.5 g average","valueNumber":5.5,"valueBoolean":null}]},{"id":"cmrc7xiin005dz4v0rmzxphlk","slug":"sensor-fusion-system","name":"Sensor Fusion System","unit":"coverage degrees","category":"Sensor Integration","dataType":"text","higherIsBetter":null,"values":[{"entityId":"cmqoogbs700fm3w9aww661w8h","valueText":"360° DAS (Distributed Aperture System) passive","valueNumber":360,"valueBoolean":null}]},{"id":"cmrcno992005qa85q9hqbzpzf","slug":"radar-cross-section-frontal-","name":"Radar Cross-Section (Frontal)","unit":"m²","category":"Stealth & Detection","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":false,"values":[{"entityId":"cmqoogbs700fm3w9aww661w8h","valueText":"0.001 m²","valueNumber":0.001,"valueBoolean":null}]},{"id":"cmrcno9ao006ka85q4h81mg6l","slug":"operational-service-entry-usaf-usmc-","name":"Operational Service Entry (USAF/USMC)","unit":"year","category":"Maturity","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":false,"values":[{"entityId":"cmqoogbs700fm3w9aww661w8h","valueText":"2015-2016","valueNumber":2016,"valueBoolean":null}]},{"id":"cmrcno9b0006qa85quwz86fpt","slug":"sensor-types-integrated","name":"Sensor Types Integrated","unit":"count","category":"Situational Awareness","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":true,"values":[{"entityId":"cmqoogbs700fm3w9aww661w8h","valueText":"14+ integrated sensors with DAS","valueNumber":14,"valueBoolean":null}]},{"id":"cmrcno9ba006wa85qts1dc40n","slug":"detection-range-4g-radar-vs-5g-stealth-","name":"Detection Range (4G radar vs 5G stealth)","unit":"km advantage","category":"Combat Advantage","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":true,"values":[{"entityId":"cmqoogbs700fm3w9aww661w8h","valueText":"Detects F/A-18 at 150+ km; undetected until 15 km","valueNumber":10,"valueBoolean":null}]},{"id":"cmrctvdrn004dytkf87g9a24v","slug":"unit-cost-2026-dollars-","name":"Unit Cost (2026 dollars)","unit":"USD millions","category":"Economics","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":false,"values":[{"entityId":"cmqoogbs700fm3w9aww661w8h","valueText":"$120 million","valueNumber":120,"valueBoolean":null,"winner":true},{"entityId":"cmqpt6gh000au73at205w4n2y","valueText":"$165 million","valueNumber":165,"valueBoolean":null,"winner":false}]},{"id":"cmrctvdsd004pytkfuy6wzvp9","slug":"service-variants-available","name":"Service Variants Available","unit":"count","category":"Versatility","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":true,"values":[{"entityId":"cmqoogbs700fm3w9aww661w8h","valueText":"3 variants (A/C/B)","valueNumber":3,"valueBoolean":null,"winner":true},{"entityId":"cmqpt6gh000au73at205w4n2y","valueText":"1 variant (USAF)","valueNumber":1,"valueBoolean":null,"winner":false}]},{"id":"cmrctvdt20051ytkfcn10khz6","slug":"operational-date","name":"Operational Date","unit":"year","category":"Maturity","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":false,"values":[{"entityId":"cmqoogbs700fm3w9aww661w8h","valueText":"2019","valueNumber":2019,"valueBoolean":null,"winner":false},{"entityId":"cmqpt6gh000au73at205w4n2y","valueText":"2005","valueNumber":2005,"valueBoolean":null,"winner":true}]},{"id":"cmrctvdte0057ytkfvbtgtujd","slug":"allied-nations-using-aircraft","name":"Allied Nations Using Aircraft","unit":"countries","category":"Interoperability","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":true,"values":[{"entityId":"cmqoogbs700fm3w9aww661w8h","valueText":"19+ allied nations","valueNumber":19,"valueBoolean":null,"winner":true},{"entityId":"cmqpt6gh000au73at205w4n2y","valueText":"1 (USA only)","valueNumber":1,"valueBoolean":null,"winner":false}]},{"id":"cmqq16syp00w310ns9ogl6tm7","slug":"sustained-turn-rate","name":"Sustained Turn Rate","unit":"degrees per second","category":"Dogfighting","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":true,"values":[{"entityId":"cmqoogbs700fm3w9aww661w8h","valueText":"24.0 deg/sec","valueNumber":24,"valueBoolean":null,"winner":false},{"entityId":"cmqpt6gh000au73at205w4n2y","valueText":"28.5 deg/sec","valueNumber":28.5,"valueBoolean":null,"winner":true}]},{"id":"cmqpt6gi700b373atdos2hcpj","slug":"maximum-supercruise-speed","name":"Maximum Supercruise Speed","unit":"Mach","category":"Performance","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":true,"values":[{"entityId":"cmqpt6gh000au73at205w4n2y","valueText":"Mach 1.6+","valueNumber":1.6,"valueBoolean":null}]},{"id":"cmqpt6gj400bf73at05prf6so","slug":"internal-weapons-payload-capacity","name":"Internal Weapons Payload Capacity","unit":"lbs","category":"Armament","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":true,"values":[{"entityId":"cmqpt6gh000au73at205w4n2y","valueText":"10,000 lbs","valueNumber":10000,"valueBoolean":null}]},{"id":"cmqpt6gjg00bl73atbbdqry9f","slug":"operational-service-entry","name":"Operational Service Entry","unit":"year","category":"Timeline","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":false,"values":[{"entityId":"cmqpt6gh000au73at205w4n2y","valueText":"2005","valueNumber":2005,"valueBoolean":null}]},{"id":"cmqpt6gk600bx73att8iqmpy6","slug":"fuselage-length","name":"Fuselage Length","unit":"meters","category":"Physical Specs","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":null,"values":[{"entityId":"cmqpt6gh000au73at205w4n2y","valueText":"18.37m","valueNumber":18.37,"valueBoolean":null}]},{"id":"cmqpt6gki00c373at33xoscir","slug":"operational-squadrons-estimated-","name":"Operational Squadrons (Estimated)","unit":"squadrons","category":"Force Strength","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":true,"values":[{"entityId":"cmqpt6gh000au73at205w4n2y","valueText":"12+ squadrons","valueNumber":12,"valueBoolean":null}]}],"faqs":[{"question":"Why is the F-22 so much more expensive than the F-35?","answer":"The F-22's $361M acquisition cost reflects its development in the 1990s-2000s with cutting-edge air-superiority technology, limited production (187 aircraft total), and stealth optimized primarily for frontal aspects against advanced air threats. The F-35's lower unit cost benefits from larger intended production runs (3,000+ planned), multi-role design spreading development across multiple mission sets, and later manufacturing optimization. F-22's per-unit cost also includes classified technology integration unavailable for export."},{"question":"Which fighter would win in a dogfight?","answer":"The F-22 has significant advantages in close-range combat due to Mach 2.25 speed (vs Mach 1.6), supercruise capability for sustained energy advantage, and superior radar range (200+ nm vs 150+ nm). However, modern air combat rarely reaches dogfight range; the F-35's sensor fusion and networked advantages could detect and engage targets beyond visual range before a dogfight occurs. In a pure 1v1 subsonic dogfight, the F-22's 9g maneuverability and supercruise provide decisive advantage."},{"question":"Can allied countries buy the F-22?","answer":"No. The F-22 is restricted to U.S. use only under International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) due to classified stealth and weapons technology. Congress banned foreign sales in 1998. By contrast, the F-35 was specifically designed as an international program with 19 allied nations operating or committed to operate it, including the UK, Australia, Canada, Japan, and South Korea, enabling real-time coalition data sharing."},{"question":"Why does the F-35 have lower operational readiness if it's newer?","answer":"The F-35's 56% readiness rate (vs F-22's 72% in 2023) reflects growing operational complexity with sensor fusion systems, longer repair cycles for advanced avionics, and distributed logistics across 19 nations. The F-22, though older, has mature supply chains and simpler mission systems focused solely on air superiority. F-35 readiness is improving as logistics mature; it was 44% in 2019, showing a 12-point gain."},{"question":"What role does each aircraft serve in modern warfare?","answer":"The F-22 provides contested-airspace dominance, ensuring air superiority before other assets deploy. The F-35 provides multi-role flexibility—performing combat air patrols, close air support, electronic attack, and naval strike—while networking intelligence across coalition forces. Modern doctrine typically uses F-22s to establish air superiority, then deploys F-35s for diverse mission execution. The U.S. operates both to fill complementary roles."}],"relatedComparisons":[{"slug":"f-22-vs-f-35)","title":"F-22 Raptor vs F-35 Lightning II","category":"military"},{"slug":"f35-vs-f22)","title":"F-35 Lightning II vs F-22 Raptor","category":"military"},{"slug":"f35-vs-rafale","title":"F-35 Lightning II vs Rafale","category":"military"},{"slug":"f-35-vs-rafale","title":"F-35 Lightning II vs Dassault Rafale","category":"military"},{"slug":"j20-vs-f22","title":"J-20 vs F-22","category":"military"},{"slug":"f35-vs-f18","title":"F-35 Lightning II vs F-18 Super Hornet","category":"military"},{"slug":"f-35-vs-rafale)","title":"F-35 Lightning II vs Dassault Rafale","category":"military"},{"slug":"f35-vs-f18)","title":"F-35 Lightning II vs F/A-18 Super Hornet","category":"military"},{"slug":"f35-vs-rafale)","title":"F-35 Lightning II vs Rafale","category":"military"},{"slug":"us-military-vs-china-military","title":"US Military vs China Military","category":"military"},{"slug":"usa-vs-china","title":"USA vs China","category":"countries"},{"slug":"ww1-vs-ww2","title":"World War 1 vs World War 2: Causes, Deaths & Key Differences","category":"history"}],"relatedBlogPosts":[{"slug":"most-advanced-fighter-jets-in-2026-top-global-air-combat-aircraft","title":"Most Advanced Fighter Jets in 2026: Top Global Air Combat Aircraft","excerpt":"As air defense technology evolves in 2026, a new generation of fighter jets dominates global skies with cutting-edge stealth, AI integration, and sensor fusion capabilities. Here's a breakdown of the world's most advanced combat aircraft and how they compare.","category":"automotive"}],"metadata":{"metaTitle":"F-35 vs F-22 Fighter Comparison 2026","metaDescription":"Compare F-35 Lightning II vs F-22 Raptor: speed, cost, capabilities, and mission differences explained","publishedAt":"2026-06-23T02:34:01.451Z","updatedAt":"2026-06-23T02:34:01.492Z","isAutoGenerated":true,"isHumanReviewed":false,"viewCount":0}}