Comparing Russia’s Su-57 to America’s F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II: Stealth, Capabilities, and Production

The ongoing technological race in the realm of advanced stealth aircraft has seen multiple nations attempting to assert their prowess in this domain. Among these are Russia’s Sukhoi T-50 (also known as the PAK FA or Su-57), and the United States’ fleet of fifth-generation fighters, the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II. This comparison will delve into the capabilities, production, and combat roles of each aircraft, highlighting their distinct characteristics.

Stealth Capabilities and Reality

The myth around the Su-57's stealth capabilities has been largely debunked. Despite Russia’s persistent efforts to market the Su-57 as a 5th generation stealth aircraft, evidence suggests that its radar cross-section (RCS) is more akin to that of earlier 4th generation fighters like the F-15 Eagle. This lack of significant stealth capability severely restricts the Su-57's operational parameters, particularly in contested airspace.

On the other hand, the F-35 Lightning II has been consistently recognized for its superior stealth characteristics. Multiple advanced technologies, including stealth sensors, secure data communications, and a powerful AESA radar system, make the F-35 one of the most advanced and survivable stealth fighters in the world. The F-35's stealth capability has been validated in combat and training exercises, making it a formidable asset in a variety of operational scenarios.

Production and Deployment

The disparity between the Su-57 and its American counterparts is also evident in production numbers and deployment. While over 1000 F-35s have been built and are in service with 20 nations, with over 2500 on order, the Su-57 remains in the experimental phase. Less than 50 operational Su-57s have been reported, and their deployment is largely limited to firing long-range weapons from outside Ukrainian controlled airspace.

Furthermore, the operational limitations of the Su-57 have been highlighted by Russia’s reluctance to risk them in combat. In contrast, the F-35 has shown its combat capabilities through active deployments and combat missions. Israeli F-35s, for instance, have demonstrated the aircraft's ability to hit Iranian air defense radar and missile systems, underscoring its effectiveness in electronic warfare and SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses) missions.

Design Philosophy and Capabilities

While both the F-35 and the F-22 Raptor were designed to be multirole fighters, their design philosophies diverge significantly. The F-35 was not developed to be the ultimate dogfighter; instead, it emphasizes a combination of stealth, advanced sensor systems, and secure data networks. This design choice has led to a significant weight increase and reduced kinetic performance, at least in comparison to the F-22.

The F-35’s advanced sensor systems include multiple AESA radar panels and 360-degree cameras, allowing it to operate in hostile airspace and share sensor data with other aircraft. The aircraft’s computers process this data and provide it to the pilot in a user-friendly manner, utilizing helmet-mounted displays and secure datalinks. This capability significantly enhances situational awareness and combat effectiveness, especially in beyond-visual-range combat scenarios.

Unlike the F-35, the F-22 Raptor was designed as an air superiority fighter and dogfighter, focusing on high G-performance and dogfighting capabilities. However, the F-35’s advanced technologies mean that it can perform these roles effectively, albeit with reduced kinetic performance. The F-35’s single engine is a vital component for short takeoff and vertical landing operations, making it versatile for operations on aircraft carriers and in austere environments.

Future Improvements and Trends

The ongoing development and upgrades of both the F-22 and F-35 are set to further enhance their capabilities. The F-22’s new upgrades aim to match many of the F-35’s capabilities, especially in kinetic performance. This reflects the evolving nature of air combat, where stealth, data networking, and advanced sensor systems are becoming increasingly critical.

As the technological landscape continues to evolve, the focus on stealth and networked warfare becomes more pronounced. The F-35, with its advanced technologies and global deployments, remains at the forefront of this trend. While the Su-57 faces significant challenges in both production and operational capability, nations around the world continue to recognize the F-35 as a key development in modern air combat technology.