Comparing the F-22 Raptor and the Su-57 Felon involves analyzing various aspects of these advanced fifth-generation fighter jets. Both aircraft are designed to dominate the skies, but they have different strengths and capabilities that make each unique. Here’s a detailed comparison:

Design and Development
F-22 Raptor

Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin
First Flight: September 7, 1997
Introduction: December 15, 2005
Role: Air superiority, ground attack, electronic warfare, and signals intelligence
Cost: Approximately $150 million per unit
Su-57 Felon

Manufacturer: Sukhoi
First Flight: January 29, 2010
Introduction: December 25, 2020
Role: Air superiority, multirole fighter
Cost: Approximately $50 million per unit
Stealth and Radar
F-22 Raptor

The F-22 is renowned for its stealth capabilities, primarily due to its shape, materials, and radar-absorbent coatings. It has a very low radar cross-section (RCS), making it difficult to detect and track.
Equipped with advanced AN/APG-77 radar, which can detect threats at long ranges and provide high-resolution targeting information.
Su-57 Felon

The Su-57 incorporates stealth technology but is generally considered to have a larger RCS than the F-22. Its stealth design focuses on reducing radar visibility while maintaining maneuverability.
Features the Sh121 multifunctional integrated radio-electronic system, including the N036 Byelka radar, which is designed for comprehensive situational awareness.
Avionics and Sensor Systems
F-22 Raptor

The F-22’s avionics suite is highly advanced, providing unparalleled situational awareness through a combination of radar, electronic warfare systems, and data fusion.
Uses the AN/ALR-94 electronic warfare system, which can detect and geolocate enemy signals over vast distances.
Su-57 Felon

The Su-57 boasts a sophisticated avionics suite with sensor fusion technology that integrates data from various sources, enhancing situational awareness and targeting accuracy.
Features an integrated avionics suite, including infrared search and track (IRST) systems, which can detect stealth aircraft at shorter ranges.
Maneuverability and Performance
F-22 Raptor

Known for its exceptional agility, the F-22 is capable of supermaneuverability due to its thrust vectoring nozzles, which allow for tight turns and rapid changes in direction.
Has a top speed of Mach 2.25 and can supercruise (maintain supersonic flight without afterburners) at Mach 1.82.
Su-57 Felon

The Su-57 is designed with a high degree of agility in mind, featuring 3D thrust vectoring and advanced aerodynamics to perform extreme maneuvers.
Has a top speed of Mach 2 and can supercruise at Mach 1.6, providing a good balance between speed and fuel efficiency.
Weapons and Payload
F-22 Raptor

The F-22 can carry a variety of air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons, including AIM-120 AMRAAM, AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, and JDAM precision-guided bombs.
Its internal weapons bays allow it to maintain stealth while carrying a significant payload.
Su-57 Felon

The Su-57 is equipped to carry a wide range of weapons, including R-77 and R-74 air-to-air missiles, Kh-59MK2 and Kh-35UE air-to-ground missiles, and various bombs.
It has both internal and external weapon stations, offering flexibility in combat loadout while potentially compromising stealth when using external hardpoints.
Operational Use and Combat Experience
F-22 Raptor

The F-22 has been operational for over a decade and has seen combat in various missions, including air superiority and ground attack roles in conflicts such as Syria.
It has proven its capabilities in real-world scenarios, maintaining air dominance and showcasing its technological advantages.
Su-57 Felon

The Su-57 is relatively new and has had limited operational use compared to the F-22. However, it has been deployed in Syria for combat testing and evaluation.
It continues to undergo development and improvements, with Russia planning to increase its fleet and capabilities.
Conclusion
Determining which fighter is more powerful depends on the specific criteria and context. The F-22 Raptor excels in stealth, advanced avionics, and proven combat performance, making it a formidable air superiority fighter. The Su-57 Felon offers impressive agility, modern avionics, and a versatile weapon loadout at a lower cost, with potential for further advancements as it matures.

In a direct comparison, the F-22 may have an edge in stealth and technology, while the Su-57 could offer superior maneuverability and cost-effectiveness. Both fighters represent the pinnacle of their respective nations’ aerospace engineering and are designed to ensure air superiority in future conflicts.

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