{"slug":"f-35-vs-f-22","title":"F-35 Lightning II vs F-22 Raptor","url":"https://www.aversusb.net/compare/f-35-vs-f-22","faqCount":5,"faqs":[{"question":"Why can't the F-22 be exported to allied nations?","answer":"The F-22 contains classified technologies including radar-absorbing materials (RAM), engine nozzle designs, and sensor fusion algorithms deemed too sensitive for export under the Arms Control Act. The F-35, conversely, was designed from inception as an allied multinational platform with proper classification compartmentalization, enabling export to NATO and partner nations under strict end-use agreements."},{"question":"Is the F-35 faster than the F-22?","answer":"No. The F-22 has a maximum speed of Mach 2.25 (1,190 mph), while the F-35 maxes out at Mach 1.6 (1,061 mph). However, the F-35 has a longer combat radius (680 miles vs. 590 miles) and superior sustained-maneuver performance when leveraging sensor fusion and network advantages over adversaries."},{"question":"Which aircraft is better in a dogfight?","answer":"The F-22 has superior instantaneous turn rate and supermaneuverability due to thrust-vectoring engines and lower wing loading. However, the F-35 is not designed for dogfighting as its primary engagement; it relies on beyond-visual-range kills enabled by its Distributed Aperture System, sensor fusion, and real-time data-link with allied assets. In modern air combat, the F-35's network advantage typically negates the need for close-in maneuvering."},{"question":"Will the F-22 remain in service longer than the F-35?","answer":"Both aircraft are planned to remain operational into the 2050s. The F-22 (187 units) is being modernized with block upgrades and avionics refreshes by the U.S. Air Force. The F-35 (1,000+ units across 19+ nations) will serve as the backbone of coalition air forces through mid-century. The F-35's larger fleet and multinational sustainment infrastructure suggest it will have longer total operational longevity across allied forces."},{"question":"Why is the F-22 more expensive than the F-35?","answer":"The F-22 costs $142 million per unit vs. $82 million for the F-35 (2024 pricing). The F-22's higher cost stems from: (1) fewer aircraft produced (187 vs. 1,100+), which amortizes development across smaller volume; (2) unique exotic materials and engine technology; (3) early 5th-gen development costs not yet realized through economies of scale. The F-35's lower unit cost is driven by large international orders and established production infrastructure."}],"faqPageSchema":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"FAQPage","@id":"https://www.aversusb.net/compare/f-35-vs-f-22#faq","url":"https://www.aversusb.net/compare/f-35-vs-f-22","inLanguage":"en-US","name":"F-35 Lightning II vs F-22 Raptor — FAQ","description":"Frequently asked questions about F-35 Lightning II vs F-22 Raptor","dateModified":"2026-10-20T12:16:40.947Z","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.aversusb.net/#organization","name":"A Versus B"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.aversusb.net/#organization","name":"A Versus B"},"isPartOf":{"@type":"Article","@id":"https://www.aversusb.net/compare/f-35-vs-f-22#article"},"license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","speakable":{"@type":"SpeakableSpecification","@id":"https://www.aversusb.net/compare/f-35-vs-f-22#faq-speakable","cssSelector":[".faq-answer"]},"mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","@id":"https://www.aversusb.net/compare/f-35-vs-f-22#q1","name":"Why can't the F-22 be exported to allied nations?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","@id":"https://www.aversusb.net/compare/f-35-vs-f-22#a1","text":"The F-22 contains classified technologies including radar-absorbing materials (RAM), engine nozzle designs, and sensor fusion algorithms deemed too sensitive for export under the Arms Control Act. The F-35, conversely, was designed from inception as an allied multinational platform with proper classification compartmentalization, enabling export to NATO and partner nations under strict end-use agreements.","inLanguage":"en-US","url":"https://www.aversusb.net/compare/f-35-vs-f-22","upvoteCount":1,"author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.aversusb.net/#organization","name":"A Versus B"}}},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https://www.aversusb.net/compare/f-35-vs-f-22#q2","name":"Is the F-35 faster than the F-22?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","@id":"https://www.aversusb.net/compare/f-35-vs-f-22#a2","text":"No. The F-22 has a maximum speed of Mach 2.25 (1,190 mph), while the F-35 maxes out at Mach 1.6 (1,061 mph). However, the F-35 has a longer combat radius (680 miles vs. 590 miles) and superior sustained-maneuver performance when leveraging sensor fusion and network advantages over adversaries.","inLanguage":"en-US","url":"https://www.aversusb.net/compare/f-35-vs-f-22","upvoteCount":1,"author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.aversusb.net/#organization","name":"A Versus B"}}},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https://www.aversusb.net/compare/f-35-vs-f-22#q3","name":"Which aircraft is better in a dogfight?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","@id":"https://www.aversusb.net/compare/f-35-vs-f-22#a3","text":"The F-22 has superior instantaneous turn rate and supermaneuverability due to thrust-vectoring engines and lower wing loading. However, the F-35 is not designed for dogfighting as its primary engagement; it relies on beyond-visual-range kills enabled by its Distributed Aperture System, sensor fusion, and real-time data-link with allied assets. In modern air combat, the F-35's network advantage typically negates the need for close-in maneuvering.","inLanguage":"en-US","url":"https://www.aversusb.net/compare/f-35-vs-f-22","upvoteCount":1,"author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.aversusb.net/#organization","name":"A Versus B"}}},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https://www.aversusb.net/compare/f-35-vs-f-22#q4","name":"Will the F-22 remain in service longer than the F-35?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","@id":"https://www.aversusb.net/compare/f-35-vs-f-22#a4","text":"Both aircraft are planned to remain operational into the 2050s. The F-22 (187 units) is being modernized with block upgrades and avionics refreshes by the U.S. Air Force. The F-35 (1,000+ units across 19+ nations) will serve as the backbone of coalition air forces through mid-century. The F-35's larger fleet and multinational sustainment infrastructure suggest it will have longer total operational longevity across allied forces.","inLanguage":"en-US","url":"https://www.aversusb.net/compare/f-35-vs-f-22","upvoteCount":1,"author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.aversusb.net/#organization","name":"A Versus B"}}},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https://www.aversusb.net/compare/f-35-vs-f-22#q5","name":"Why is the F-22 more expensive than the F-35?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","@id":"https://www.aversusb.net/compare/f-35-vs-f-22#a5","text":"The F-22 costs $142 million per unit vs. $82 million for the F-35 (2024 pricing). The F-22's higher cost stems from: (1) fewer aircraft produced (187 vs. 1,100+), which amortizes development across smaller volume; (2) unique exotic materials and engine technology; (3) early 5th-gen development costs not yet realized through economies of scale. The F-35's lower unit cost is driven by large international orders and established production infrastructure.","inLanguage":"en-US","url":"https://www.aversusb.net/compare/f-35-vs-f-22","upvoteCount":1,"author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.aversusb.net/#organization","name":"A Versus B"}}}]}}