Who would win in a dogfight, F-22 or F-35?

Raptor’s Reign: Why the F-22 Still Trumps the F-35 in a Dogfight

The age-old question of which fighter jet would reign supreme in a close-range aerial duel – the F-22 Raptor or the F-35 Lightning II – often sparks heated debate among aviation enthusiasts. While the F-35 boasts impressive technological advancements, particularly in its sensor fusion and stealth capabilities, a closer examination reveals the F-22’s enduring dominance in a classic “dogfight” scenario. The reason boils down to one critical factor: maneuverability.

The F-35, a marvel of modern engineering, is designed for a multi-role capacity, prioritizing survivability and precision strike capabilities. Its stealth features and advanced sensor suite make it a formidable opponent in beyond-visual-range (BVR) engagements, where detection and targeting from long distances are paramount. However, the nature of a dogfight – a close-range, high-g turning battle – drastically shifts the playing field.

In the chaotic, close-quarters ballet of a dogfight, the F-22’s superior maneuverability becomes overwhelmingly decisive. Its thrust-vectoring nozzles, enabling exceptional control during tight turns and high-angle-of-attack maneuvers, are a game-changer. This allows the F-22 pilot to aggressively position their aircraft, dictating the engagement and maintaining a superior firing solution. The F-35, while agile for its size and weight, simply cannot match the Raptor’s agility and responsiveness in this context.

The F-35’s stealth advantage is also significantly diminished in a close-range encounter. While stealth reduces the probability of detection at longer ranges, once visual contact is established, the advantage evaporates. The pilot’s skill and the aircraft’s maneuverability become the primary determinants of success.

Furthermore, the F-22’s superior instantaneous turn rate and thrust-to-weight ratio provide an edge in energy retention. This means the Raptor can sustain high-g maneuvers for extended periods, outlasting and potentially outmaneuvering the F-35, forcing the F-35 pilot into unfavorable positions or exhausting its energy reserves.

While the F-35 undoubtedly boasts a substantial technological advantage in many operational contexts, the reality of a pure dogfight points to the F-22’s inherent superiority. The Raptor’s exceptional maneuverability and thrust-vectoring, coupled with the pilot’s skill, provides a decisive edge in a close-range aerial duel, making it the likely victor in a one-on-one encounter. The F-35 excels in other domains, but the dogfight arena remains the F-22’s undisputed territory.