Prof. Samantha Clarke
The F-22 Raptor and the F-35 Lightning II are two of the most advanced stealth fighter jets developed by the United States. Despite both aircraft being hailed as technological marvels, they have notable differences in their design, mission roles, and dimensions. This article provides a comparative analysis to explore why the F-22 is larger than the F-35.
One of the primary reasons for the size difference between the F-22 and F-35 lies in their intended roles. The F-22, developed by Lockheed Martin in partnership with Boeing and Northrop Grumman, was designed primarily as an air superiority fighter. Its mission emphasizes superiority in aerial combat, which necessitates a larger airframe to accommodate advanced avionics, powerful engines, and enough fuel for extended engagements. The F-22 measures approximately 19 metres in length and has a wingspan of 13.6 metres, allowing it to carry a range of weapons and maintain high manoeuvrability.
In contrast, the F-35 was designed as a multirole stealth fighter, capable of engaging in air-to-air combat, air-to-ground strikes, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR). The F-35 comes in three variants (F-35A for the Royal Air Force, F-35B for the Marine Corps, and F-35C for the Royal Navy) but has a smaller size overall in each version compared to the F-22. The F-35 measures around 15.5 metres long with a wingspan of approximately 10.7 metres. This smaller size is intentional, reflecting the F-35’s design for versatility over pure air dominance.
Another factor influencing the size difference is the technological features integrated into each aircraft. The F-22 incorporates an array of sophisticated sensors and systems designed to ensure it maintains an edge in aerial combat. The larger fuselage allows greater capacity for these systems, increasing its effectiveness in contested environments. The F-22’s engines, which are among the most powerful in any fighter jet, also require a larger airframe to optimise performance.
On the other hand, the F-35’s design prioritises stealth technology and multirole adaptability. Its smaller size reflects an emphasis on high manoeuvrability and the ability to conduct operations in a variety of environments, including the ability to operate from shorter runways and on Royal Navy aircraft carriers. Combining this with cutting-edge avionics and sensor fusion, the F-35 achieves a balance of performance and stealth without requiring the size of the F-22.
The difference in size also extends to payload capabilities. The F-22 can carry up to 907 kilograms of ordnance in its internal bays, including air-to-air missiles, while also having the option for external hardpoints, albeit at the expense of stealth. The F-35, although smaller, is designed to carry similar payloads but can also utilise external
