The Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor is one of the most advanced military aircraft in the US Air Force’s armory. Developed as an air superiority fighter, the Raptor has proven how capable it is over the years. But it's had its problems over the years, and is now almost superseded by the newer and more cost-effective F-35 Lightning II. The Lightning II is a fifth-generation aircraft with stealth capabilities. And may remain in service with the US armed forces well into the 2070s.
The F-35 builds massively upon the success of the F-22 and takes them to new heights. More advanced stealth systems, the ability to export the F-35 and the additional VTOL capability make it a more versatile aircraft. While the F-35 has had its own problems, it is now beginning to prove its worth.
The F-35 Features The Most Extreme Levels Of Stealth
While both aircraft are highly stealthy in their own right, the F-35 just edges out its fellow Lockheed Martin sibling. The two vertical stabilizers of the F-35 help in its stealth capabilities. And the shaping of the airframe is all designed to keep its radar cross-section as low as possible. Serration of skin panels and the masking of the engine face and turbine all help to make the F-35 as stealthy as possible. Some have even said that certain angles give the F-35 as low a radar cross-section as a metal golf ball.
The F-22 is more stealthy than the F-35 from the stern, but overall the F-35 just edges out the Raptor. The F-35 naturally makes use of radar-absorbent materials. While it took lessons learned from the F-22 in order to keep its cross-section as low as possible. Even down to the fibermat skin being more durable and lass maintenance intensive than the older topcoats of the F-22. Strict controls of radio frequency further help to keep the F-35 as stealthy an aircraft as possible. As an all-round stealth aircraft, none are as capable as the F-35.
Lockheed's F-35 Can Get Exported But The F-22 Can Not
Another massive advantage that the F-35 has is the fact it can actually get exported. The F-22 has never had an export version. This is down to the stealth technology and the various classified features of the Raptor. While the F-35 itself does incorporate technology from the Raptor, it is a cheaper and more flexible aircraft. Thus, Lockheed was able to make the F-35 available for export. That hasn’t stopped the Department of Defense from trying to get the F-22 exported though. A defense authorization bill in 2010 included provisions on the costs and feasibility of an export F-22.
Japan, Australia and Israel were all interested in such an example. But the astronomical costs for America’s own F-22s and the more diverse sphere that the F-35 can operate in meant it never got off the ground. Those air arms that sought an F-22 have almost all gone on to at least explore getting their hands on the F-35 instead. The F-35 in itself has even more up its sleeve, courtesy of the VTOL versions of the stealth aircraft. More costly they may be, but they are also more versatile.
VTOL Capability Adds Another Level Of Versatility To The F-35
Lockheed Martin created three versions of the F-35. These were the F-35B, the F-35 A and the F-35C. The F-35B was the first of the three to enter combat service in July 2015. And this example, possesses vertical take off and landing capabilities. The F-35B is currently used by the US Marine Corps. While the F-35C is fully utilized by the US Navy on their aircraft carriers. Specifically designed for carriers, the F-35C makes use of the catapult launch systems on aircraft carriers. The F-35A is the regular, conventional takeoff and landing version without VTOL capabilities.
The additional VTOL capabilities of the F-35B help increase the versatility of the aircraft. Allowing it top operate on carriers without catapults and land in areas that have a very short, or even no runway. Something that helps make the F-35 a jack of all trades.
The F-35 Is An Incredibly Versatile Aircraft
The addition of the VTOL capabilities help create an even more versatile aircraft than the F-22. That, plus the more advanced stealth capabilities and its versatility ensure that the F-35 just has the edge over the F-22. The Raptor is still a hugely capable aircraft. And is the superior of the two when it comes to air-to-air combat. But the F-35 has plenty of merits and its lower costs overall ensured its export success. The US military hopes to keep the F-35 in service until at least 2070. Which would make it one of the longest serving military aircraft in the countries history.
Sources: Lockheed Martin, US Air Force