F-22 Raptor vs. Sukhoi Su-57

The Lockheed Martin/Boeing F-22 Raptor is an advanced single-seat, twin-engine, supersonic all-weather stealth fighter aircraft, designed primarily for air superiority roles. Developed for the United States Air Force (USAF), the F-22 incorporates additional capabilities including ground attack, electronic warfare, and signals intelligence.

Production History: The F-22's development originated from the USAF's Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF) program in 1981, aimed at replacing the F-15 Eagle and F-16 Fighting Falcon. Facing Soviet advancements in military aviation, the USAF emphasized stealth, supercruise (sustained supersonic flight without afterburners), and agility in their requirements. Lockheed Martin, with Boeing as a partner, was awarded the contract, and the first flight of the F-22 occurred on September 7, 1997. Initially, the USAF intended to procure 750 ATFs, but this number was reduced to 187 aircraft due to budget constraints and shifting priorities. The final F-22 was delivered in 2012.

Design Features: The F-22 Raptor is known for its stealth capabilities, achieved through advanced aerodynamic design and radar-absorbing materials. It features a sophisticated sensor suite that enhances the pilot's situational awareness, allowing them to engage targets before being detected. The aircraft is equipped with two Pratt & Whitney F119-PW-100 turbofan engines, enabling it to supercruise at speeds over Mach 1.5. Its armament includes an M61A2 cannon, AIM-9 Sidewinders, AIM-120 AMRAAMs, and GBU-32 JDAMs.

Operational History: The F-22 Raptor has been a key component of the USAF's Global Strike Task Force. Its operational capabilities and combat performance set a high benchmark in modern air warfare, but its development and initial service period experienced challenges. Despite these, the F-22 has become vital to the USAF's tactical air power, leveraging its stealth, performance, and advanced systems to dominate aerial combat scenarios.

Similar Fighter Jet Models:

F-22 Raptor vs. F-35 Lightning II

Stealth and Role Specialization: The F-22 is optimized for air superiority with unparalleled stealth for engaging enemy aircraft, while the F-35 is designed as a multirole fighter, with a broader emphasis on ground attack capabilities and operational versatility.

Performance and Agility: The Raptor excels in high-speed, high-maneuverability air combat, featuring advanced thrust vectoring for superior agility. The F-35, while highly capable, prioritizes stealth, sensor integration, and network-enabled operations over extreme maneuverability.

F-22 Raptor vs. Su-57 "Felon"

Advanced Stealth Capabilities: Both aircraft represent their respective countries' pinnacle of stealth technology. The F-22's stealth design focuses on all-aspect stealth. The Su-57 incorporates stealth features primarily in the front aspect, aiming to balance stealth with aerodynamics.

Technological Edge and Operational Experience: The F-22 has been operational since 2005, gaining years of technological refinement and experience. The Su-57, a newer entry into the fifth-generation fighter category, brings innovative technology and capabilities but lacks the operational pedigree of the F-22.

The Sukhoi Su-57 "Felon" is Russia's first fifth-generation multi-role fighter aircraft, designed to have supercruise, supermaneuverability, stealth, and advanced avionics. Developed by Sukhoi Company (JSC), the Su-57 is intended to serve as the foundation of Russian air power for the future. Its development reflects Russia's aim to field a stealth fighter that can compete with Western models such as the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II.

Production History: The Su-57's development began in the early 2000s, with the first prototype, then known as the PAK FA (Prospective Aviation Complex of Frontline Aviation), taking to the skies in 2010. After an extensive testing and development phase, the aircraft was officially designated as the Su-57 and entered service in December 2020. The production aims to modernize the Russian Aerospace Forces with a platform capable of achieving air superiority and precision strike capabilities.

Design Features: The Su-57 features a unique blend of stealth characteristics, including internal weapon bays, radar-absorbent material, and a shape designed to minimize radar cross-section. It is powered by Saturn izdeliye 30 engines, enabling supercruise capability. The aircraft's design emphasizes advanced aerodynamics, allowing for exceptional agility and control at various speeds.

Operational History: Although relatively new to operational service, the Su-57 has already seen preliminary deployment in Syria for combat evaluation purposes. These deployments have allowed Russian forces to test the aircraft's performance in real-world conditions, evaluating its stealth, sensors, and weapons systems against a backdrop of active conflict.

Comparison with Similar Models:

Su-57 "Felon" vs. F-22 Raptor

Stealth and Agility: The F-22 Raptor is acclaimed for its stealth capabilities and supermaneuverability. The Su-57 aims to match these features with its own stealth design and thrust-vectoring engines.

Avionics and Systems Integration: Both aircraft boast advanced avionics suites designed for situational awareness and network-centric warfare. The Su-57's systems aim to rival the F-22's by offering advanced radar, electronic warfare, and data link capabilities.

Su-57 "Felon" vs. F-35 Lightning II

Multi-Role Flexibility: The F-35 is designed as a multi-role fighter with a strong emphasis on strike missions and stealth. In contrast, the Su-57 offers a blend of air superiority and ground attack capabilities.

Technology and Export Potential: While the F-35 has seen widespread export to numerous countries, the Su-57 is currently focused on fulfilling the needs of the Russian Aerospace Forces. However, its advanced technology and potential cost advantages make it a contender for future international sales.