F-22 Raptor vs Su-57 Felon: Which One Would Win in Modern Aerial Combat

When we talk about modern combat in the skies, two aircraft often come up as the best of the best: the F-22 Raptor from the United States and the Su-57 Felon from Russia. These planes are the top choices for their countries and are designed for air dominance. People sometimes wonder, if these two planes were to meet in battle, which would come out on top?

The F-22 Raptor and Su-57 Felon Flying High

The F-22 Raptor was a big deal when it first soared into the skies in 2005. Made by Lockheed Martin, it was the first of its kind, a fifth-generation fighter jet that really set the bar high. It made its mark by being super effective in air dominance roles, which means it was built to control the skies in combat. The Raptor can not only fight other planes but also hit targets on the ground, collect signals intelligence, and do electronic warfare.

The United States Air Force was initially pumped to get their hands on 750 of these Raptors. But these hopes were cut down because of the high cost, shifting the end number to just 187 jets. There wasn’t much need for air-to-air fight capabilities at that point, and lawmakers decided to stop selling the jet to other countries. To top it off, there was already talk about a new and more advanced jet coming out, which ended up being the F-35 Lightning II. The last F-22 was delivered to the Air Force in 2012, even though many still think it’s one of the best jets out there.

Su-57 Felon’s Struggle for the Skies

The story for Russia’s Su-57 Felon is a different ball game. Its roots go way back to the days of the Soviet Union in 1969. The aim was to build something that could take on planes like the F-15 Eagle. But it wasn’t a smooth ride. The first attempts didn’t quite work out, and it was only in 1985 that they finally had a fighter jet that met their needs, the Su-27. The plans for the Su-57 didn’t start until 1999, originally called the T-50, but this ambitious project hit many obstacles along the way, like trying to include stealth capabilities.

The Su-57 didn’t take to the skies until 2010, and it wasn’t until 2020 that it finally joined the Russian Aerospace Forces. Even with that, it hasn’t seen much action or orders from clients, which paints a stark contrast to the earlier success of the F-22.

A Comparison of Power and Performance

Putting the F-22 Raptor and the Su-57 Felon side by side, we see that they’re quite alike in size, but the Su-57 is a touch bigger and heavier. Both jets have two powerful engines, but they’re different types. The Raptor is powered by two Pratt & Whitney F119-PW-100 engines, while the Felon uses two NPO SaturnFNPTS MMPP Salyut AL-41F1 engines. They both pack a serious punch and allow the planes to reach similar jaw-dropping speeds – the F-22 at 1599 miles per hour, and the Su-57 at a slightly faster 1616 miles per hour.

Where they stand apart is in how far they can fly without needing to refuel. The Su-57 outruns the F-22 here, with the ability to travel up to 3107 miles, while the F-22 can go for 2000 miles. For highest flying altitudes, the Raptor rules the skies, being able to climb up to 65,617 feet compared to the Felon’s 50,000 feet.

Both jets come ready to carry a variety of weapons for both aerial and ground targets. They have missiles that can be launched from within the jet or attached outside. It’s hard to say which one has better firepower because they haven’t really been tested in a true air-to-air combat situation.

Are the F-22 and Su-57 Equal in the Air?

Many believe that the F-22 Raptor is the more established fighter. While Russia has only been able to build 32 Su-57s, the United States has produced nearly 200 F-22s. There are some criticisms about the Su-57. Experts from the National Interest highlight the problems with its stealth features and its dependence on older engines. This suggests that it might not be quite on par with the expectations set by the Raptor.

Occasionally, setbacks in design and production can hinder a fighter jet’s success. For instance, the Su-57 was supposed to get an all-new, better engine. But due to sanctions slapped on Russia, they’ve had to make do with older engines that are also used in another jet, the Su-35S. Reports suggest that the Su-57’s sensors and technology aren’t fully ready yet, again likely hampered by those sanctions.

While the F-22 is often seen as the champion of modern fighters, it’s important to recognize each jet’s achievements. The Su-57, for example, grabbed the spotlight when it was featured in the hit movie “Top Gun: Maverick,” which turned out to be the highest-grossing film of 2022. This just goes to show that these aircraft not only serve in the air but also leave their mark on pop culture.

In the world of modern fighters, both the F-22 Raptor and the Su-57 Felon are impressive feats of engineering and power. They represent the pinnacle of their respective countries’ efforts to build a dominant force in the sky. Despite the challenges faced, the F-22 Raptor’s years of service and the Su-57 Felon’s advanced design both continue to inspire awe and respect for their incredible capabilities and potential in air combat.

Remember, however, this is all based on paper facts and what comes out on top in real-life combat is a whole other story. With both jets loaded with advanced technology and powerful weaponry, they would certainly make for formidable opponents in the skies.