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Okay, this may sound stupid but I wouldn't be asking it if i'd know it. What is the biggest difference between the F-35 and the F-22. I'm Dutch so I believe we're getting the F-35. But there is all this talk about how great the F-22 is, so is the F-35 the lesser version or what?

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Elite Joined: Dec 14, 2005 Posts: 688 Status: Offline

Simply said "High-Low-Mix Policy"

Quick history lesson: Idea

The "outrageous" cost of the F-15 in the early 1970's led to the 'high-low mix' policy of the USAF: the F-15 being the 'high' end with its air superiority and long-range interdiction mission (and hefty price). Needing a 'low' (cheap) end the LWF (Light Weight Fighter) was born; it became the F-16. The F-16 would perform close air support, battlefield attack and suppression of enemy air defenses. The F-16 could be procured in larger numbers than the F-15 as it would have more customers due to it's price. The F-16 program also included foreign interest as production/assembly was to be shared among allies. This helped to further reduce the F-16s cost for all involved.

The numbers were roughly 750 F-15s and 1500 F-16s. 1/2 ratio.

The US Navy adopted this somewhat with the F-14 'high' (expensive) w/limited numbers, and the F/A-18 'low' (cheaper) with greater numbers.

Fast forward into 2000s and enter the new "outrageously priced" Raptor. The players today are F-22 'high' (expensive) and F-35 'low' (cheaper) with international production/use for all to share... Very Happy

Today the numbers may be more like 400 F-22 and perhaps 800 F-35 again near a 1/2 ratio? Shrug

Do the math and by 3000 the USAF will have 2 Hi and 4 low aircraft stationed at one base that didn't get BRACed in 2072!? LMAO

Elite Joined: Dec 14, 2005 Posts: 688 Status: Offline

Almost forgot -

I should point out the F-15/F-16 fighter programs also shared many technologies. The engines for instance. F100-PW-100 for the F-15 and F100-PW-200 for the 'new' F-16. The developement of a "new" engine for the F-16 back then would have driven costs WAY up, but basing it's motor off of the Eagle's drastically cut costs. The F-16 was all about "cheap" when it was designed/purchased in the late 1970s. Systems and production were also "shared" where possible to hold down costs.

The F-35's F135 engine is a growth design of the F119 of the F-22. This also saved vast amounts of developement dollars, and helps keep costs down.

The Low-Observable technologies and other systems of the F-35 will follow similar lines, all hoped to save money in the long run.

Lets also remember the Raptor can not be sold to anyone except the USAF per the US Congress. (At the current time) This opens the international marked to the JSF/F-35 which will be available to ally nations. Again the larger the production the lower the cost for ALL involved to include the USAF.

Elite Joined: Aug 02, 2006 Posts: 942 Status: Offline

VuijkT wrote:

Okay, this may sound stupid but I wouldn't be asking it if i'd know it. What is the biggest difference between the F-35 and the F-22. I'm Dutch so I believe we're getting the F-35. But there is all this talk about how great the F-22 is, so is the F-35 the lesser version or what?

The F-22 is faster, slightly more agile and has a bigger radar. The last batch of F-22s costs roughly $133 million to construct (excluding R&D).

The F-35 has a more comprehensive sensor suite, a more advanced pilot interface, carries bigger weapons, is less maintenance intensive and has slightly better range. The F-35A is projected by the GAO and L-M to cost about $48 million per copy to construct.

Both are classified as Very Low Observable with a radar signature less than 1/1000th that of the F-16.

In short, the F-22 is a stealth platform that packs the ultimate A2A capability but is very expensive, unexportable and has limited A2G capability. The F-35 packs enough A2A capability to defeat all current and projected threats (perhaps not by a generous a margin as the F-22), but is less expensive, can carry out a wider range of missions and is exportable to most allies.

Thanks Guys!!! This about covers it! I will ask again if i got another question. Thanks for your help! Very Happy

It's interesting how both fighters are designed to be single-seaters! Two Cents

Veteran Joined: Jul 01, 2007 Posts: 336

All the best fighters are.

Elite Joined: Dec 14, 2005 Posts: 688 Status: Offline

SnakeHandler wrote:

All the best fighters are.

Hey!? What about that incentive ride that "I'd get someday..." (that most of us ar still waiting for...?)

I guess the recruiters can't even lie about that anymore!?

Okay, another question. SnakeHandler wrote: All the best fighters are. (with this he means single-seaters). Why is that? Because in a two-seater you need more structure and equipment or what?

Veteran Joined: Jul 01, 2007 Posts: 336

I don't want a backseat driver. Laughing

Hahaha, point taken Wink

F35 and F22 are two different class,F22 a2a and F35 a2g...

Veteran Joined: Mar 11, 2008 Posts: 351 Status: Offline

Actually, F-22 is more capable for strike then given credit. It is a popular myth that F-22 is more the ata specialist. The capability of a supercruising, 16,000m flying F-22 launching 6-8 SDBs with 100km + range in clean configuration is something new really. Many classes of AG ordnance similar to under-wing NATO or Russian aircraft load-out, can hypothetically be carried?

why not if you put pylons on....it has strong engine,so it can bring a lots of bombs and missiles...what is longest range of American anti-ship missile carried by fighter plane?i mean,which missile is it? Question

..i know for Russian,flanker class aircraft can bringKh41 Moskit with 400km range, KH31P/A, range is about 200km,Kh35 135km range...also Tu22M3 can shoot with KH22 400km...i also heard of Russians building 5 more aircraft carriers and bringing them into service by 2015...

Su27_pilot wrote:

i also heard of Russians building 5 more aircraft carriers and bringing them into service by 2015...

BWAHAHAHAHA *Dies from laughing*
5 carriers? by 2015? Are you sure you didn't get that from a ww3 novel or something?

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F-35 versus F-22