In the pantheon of modern military aviation, few debates ignite as much passion and speculation as the direct comparison between Russia’s Sukhoi Su-57 “Felon” and the United States’ Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor. Both aircraft represent the pinnacle of fifth-generation fighter technology for their respective nations, yet they embody different design philosophies, operational doctrines, and national priorities. This article delves deep into the key aspects of Su-57 vs F-22, dissecting their capabilities, limitations, and the strategic thinking behind their development.
Design Philosophy: Specialized Dominance vs. Multirole Adaptability
The foundational difference in the Su-57 vs F-22 debate stems from their original design goals:
- F-22 Raptor: Conceived during the latter stages of the Cold War as the Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF), the F-22 was designed with one singular, uncompromising objective: absolute air superiority. Its focus was to replace the F-15 Eagle and ensure U.S. dominance in high-intensity air-to-air combat against peer adversaries. Every design choice, from its extreme stealth to its unparalleled kinematics, was optimized for aerial engagements.
- Su-57 “Felon”: Russia’s approach with the Su-57 (initially known as PAK FA) was more akin to a multirole design from the outset. While possessing formidable air-to-air capabilities, it was envisioned as a versatile platform capable of air superiority, precision ground attack, and suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD). This broader mission set inevitably led to different design compromises compared to the F-22.
Stealth Characteristics: Different Approaches to Low Observability
The core of any fifth-generation fighter lies in its stealth, and the Su-57 vs F-22 comparison in this domain is frequently discussed:
- F-22 Raptor: The F-22 was designed for maximum all-aspect stealth, particularly against X-band radars, making it incredibly difficult to detect across a wide range of angles. Its angular facets, precise panel alignment, internal weapons bays, and extensive use of radar-absorbent materials (RAM) aim for an extremely low Radar Cross-Section (RCS), often described as marble-sized. This emphasis allows the F-22 to achieve “first-look, first-shot, first-kill” opportunities.
- Su-57 “Felon”: The Su-57 also incorporates significant low-observable features, including internal weapons bays, radar-absorbing coatings, and extensive composite materials. However, its design exhibits certain characteristics (like visible engine fans from certain angles and a less rigorously “faceted” overall shape) that suggest a less comprehensive all-aspect stealth profile compared to the F-22. Russia’s philosophy appears to prioritize a balance between stealth, maneuverability, and speed, sometimes at the expense of absolute low observability, especially from broadband radars. Many analysts believe the F-22 holds a distinct advantage in stealth when evaluating Su-57 vs F-22.
Kinematic Performance: Speed, Agility, and Supercruise
When it comes to raw kinematic performance, the Su-57 vs F-22 often leans towards the American jet:
- F-22 Raptor: Powered by two Pratt & Whitney F119 engines, the F-22 is renowned for its supercruise capability (sustained supersonic flight without afterburners, above Mach 1.5) and exceptional thrust-to-weight ratio. Its two-dimensional thrust vectoring nozzles provide unparalleled pitch control, allowing for extreme agility and high angle-of-attack maneuvers in a dogfight. This kinematic superiority is a defining feature of the F-22.
- Su-57 “Felon”: The Su-57 is designed for supercruise with its definitive “Izdeliye 30” (AL-51F) engines, though many operational units currently use interim AL-41F1 engines. It features three-dimensional thrust vectoring nozzles, offering immense maneuverability across all axes. While its exact kinematic performance numbers are classified, it is expected to be highly agile and capable at supersonic speeds. However, the consistent supercruise capability and the instantaneous turn rates of the F-22 are a high bar to meet in any Su-57 vs F-22 comparison.
Avionics and Sensor Fusion: The Digital Brains
The sensor suites and information processing capabilities are critical for fifth-generation fighters:
- F-22 Raptor: The F-22 pioneered sensor fusion, integrating data from its powerful AN/APG-77 AESA radar, AN/ALR-94 Radar Warning Receiver (RWR), and other sensors into a unified tactical picture for the pilot. The APG-77 is known for its long-range detection, low probability of intercept, and advanced electronic attack capabilities. The F-22’s situational awareness is exceptional for its era.
- Su-57 “Felon”: The Su-57 incorporates a sophisticated “intelligent skin” concept with multiple AESA radars: a primary N036 Byelka AESA radar in the nose, complemented by side-looking X-band AESA radars, and L-band radars in the wing leading edges. This provides extensive 360-degree coverage and the ability to detect stealth aircraft. Its advanced electronic warfare suite and sensor fusion capabilities aim to present the pilot with a comprehensive battlespace picture. The Su-57’s sensor system, being newer, likely leverages more recent advancements in processing and data integration, making this a very close contest in Su-57 vs F-22.
Armament: Internal Lethality
Both aircraft rely on internal weapons bays to maintain their stealth profiles:
- F-22 Raptor: The F-22’s primary air-to-air loadout consists of six AIM-120 AMRAAM beyond-visual-range (BVR) missiles in its main bay and two AIM-9X Sidewinder short-range missiles in side bays. It has limited internal air-to-ground capability, primarily two 1,000-pound JDAMs or up to eight Small Diameter Bombs (SDBs).
- Su-57 “Felon”: The Su-57 features two large internal weapons bays capable of carrying up to four R-77M BVR missiles and two K-74M2 short-range missiles in side bays. It can also internally carry a wide array of air-to-surface munitions, including Kh-38, Kh-58, and Kh-69 missiles. The range and variety of internal ground-attack munitions for the Su-57 appear to be more diverse than the F-22, reflecting its multirole design. In terms of sheer internal firepower versatility, the Su-57 vs F-22 might favor the Russian jet for a wider range of missions.
Operational Status and Production: Fleet Size and Export
The operational status and production numbers heavily influence the real-world impact of Su-57 vs F-22:
- F-22 Raptor: Production of the F-22 was famously curtailed at just 187 operational aircraft in 2011 due to high costs and shifting strategic priorities. It is exclusively operated by the U.S. Air Force, with a congressional ban on exports to protect its sensitive technology. Despite its limited numbers, it remains a critical asset for air dominance.
- Su-57 “Felon”: The Su-57 program has faced numerous delays and budget challenges. While production has ramped up, the number of operational aircraft in the Russian Aerospace Force is still relatively small, estimated to be a few dozen as of early 2025. Russia aims to procure over 70 by 2027. The Su-57E export variant is actively marketed, with Algeria reportedly being the first confirmed foreign customer. The scale of production and established combat-ready fleet size are current disadvantages for the Su-57 vs F-22.
Strategic Role and Complementarity: Beyond the Dogfight
Ultimately, the Su-57 vs F-22 comparison is not just about a one-on-one dogfight but about their role within their respective air forces:
- F-22 Raptor: The F-22 is the U.S. Air Force’s premier “door kicker,” designed to achieve initial air superiority in heavily contested environments, clearing the way for other assets, including the F-35 and fourth-generation fighters. Its specialization allows it to excel in this role.
- Su-57 “Felon”: The Su-57 is envisioned as the core of Russia’s future air combat capabilities, designed to perform a wider array of missions, from air superiority to deep strike. It will likely operate in conjunction with older Su-35s and potentially the S-70 Okhotnik UCAV. Russia’s doctrine emphasizes numerical superiority and a broader spectrum of capabilities from fewer specialized platforms.
Su-57 vs F-22: A Comparative Table
| Feature | Sukhoi Su-57 “Felon” | Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Role | Multirole (Air Superiority, Ground Attack, SEAD) | Air Superiority (Primary), Limited Ground Attack |
| Manufacturer | Sukhoi (UAC) | Lockheed Martin / Boeing |
| Country of Origin | Russia | United States |
| First Flight | January 29, 2010 | September 7, 1997 |
| Entered Service | December 25, 2020 | December 15, 2005 |
| Engines | 2 x NPO Saturn AL-41F1 (interim); Izdeliye 30 (final) | 2 x Pratt & Whitney F119-PW-100 |
| Max Thrust (per engine) | AL-41F1: ~147 kN (33,000 lbf) with afterburner; Izdeliye 30: ~176 kN (39,680 lbf) with afterburner | ~156 kN (35,000 lbf) with afterburner |
| Stealth (General Assessment) | Good, multi-aspect, but debated vs. F-22’s all-aspect | Excellent, all-aspect, optimized for very low RCS |
| Supercruise Capability | Designed for (with Izdeliye 30); limited with AL-41F1 | Yes (Mach 1.5+ sustained) |
| Thrust Vectoring | Yes (3D, all-axis) | Yes (2D, pitch-axis only) |
| Radar System | N036 Byelka AESA (nose, side, wing L-band) | AN/APG-77 AESA |
| Sensor Fusion | Highly integrated, “intelligent skin” concept | Highly integrated, pioneering for its era |
| Internal Air-to-Air Loadout | 4-6 x R-77M (BVR), 2 x K-74M2 (WVR) | 6 x AIM-120 AMRAAM (BVR), 2 x AIM-9X Sidewinder (WVR) |
| Internal Air-to-Ground Loadout | Diverse PGM options (Kh-38, Kh-58, Kh-69, bombs) | 2 x 1,000lb JDAMs or 8 x SDBs |
| Maximum Speed | ~Mach 2.0+ | ~Mach 2.25 |
| Combat Radius | ~1,500 km (810 nmi) | ~850 km (460 nmi) with internal fuel |
| Unit Acquisition Cost (Approx.) | $30-50 million (reported, for export) | $150-200 million (flyaway); $350 million (program cost) |
| Operating Cost per Flight Hour (Approx.) | Likely lower than F-22 (specific data scarce) | $60,000 – $85,000+ |
| Total Production (Operational) | ~Dozens (as of early 2025), target >70 by 2027 | 187 |
| Export Status | Su-57E variant offered (Algeria rumored customer) | No (U.S. Congressional ban) |
| Key Advantages | Newer sensor suite, multi-role versatility, 3D TVC | Superior all-aspect stealth, unmatched kinematics, proven operational readiness |
Conclusion: A Clash of Ideologies
The Su-57 vs F-22 debate encapsulates the differing approaches to modern air power by two military giants. The F-22 remains arguably the most potent air-to-air combat machine ever built, a highly specialized tool for air dominance at any cost. Its unparalleled stealth and kinematics were a generation ahead. The Su-57, while perhaps not matching the F-22’s raw stealth or some kinematic aspects, represents a more modern, multirole design philosophy, with highly integrated sensors and a wider internal weapons bay designed for both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. It also benefits from being a newer design in terms of sensor integration and potential for AI incorporation.
In a hypothetical engagement, the outcome between Su-57 vs F-22 would depend heavily on the specific scenario, range, and pilot skill. The F-22’s superior stealth and kinematic performance would give it an advantage in initial detection and engagement. However, the Su-57’s advanced sensor suite, multi-spectral detection capabilities, and powerful array of missiles could potentially counter that advantage. Both are formidable, but their development paths and strategic roles reflect fundamental differences in how their respective nations envision future air warfare. The ongoing evolution of both platforms ensures the Su-57 vs F-22 comparison will remain a fascinating subject for years to come.
