Posted by Content Team on March 20, 2026 | No comments

 

F-22 Raptor vs Su-57 Felon: USA vs Russia Stealth Fighter Showdown (2026 Analysis)

Two superpowers. Two stealth fighters. One question:

Which would win?

The F-22 Raptor and Su-57 Felon represent the pinnacle of American and Russian military aviation technology. Both are fifth-generation stealth fighters designed to dominate the skies. Both combine stealth, speed, sensors, and weapons into packages that can defeat any fourth-generation fighter.

But they couldn't be more different.

The F-22 emphasizes stealth and beyond-visual-range combat. The Su-57 adds super-maneuverability to stealth. One prioritizes invisibility. The other combines stealth with extreme agility.

The stakes are real:

With NATO-Russia tensions, Ukraine conflict, and global power competition, understanding these aircraft isn't academic—it's strategic.

This comprehensive analysis compares:

• Design philosophy and approach
• Stealth capabilities (RCS comparison)
• Speed and maneuverability
• Sensors and avionics
• Weapons and payload
• Combat scenarios (BVR and WVR)
• Operational status and numbers
• Real-world combat effectiveness

The ultimate air superiority showdown. USA vs Russia. Let's analyze.

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Design Philosophy: Two Paths to Dominance

F-22 Raptor: Stealth First, Everything Else Second

Design priorities (in order):

1. Maximum stealth (lowest radar signature possible)
2. Supercruise (sustained supersonic without afterburner)
3. Sensor fusion (integrated avionics)
4. Air superiority (optimized for air-to-air combat)

American philosophy: Remain undetected. See enemies first. Shoot first. Win before they know you're there.

Sacrifices made:

• Cost (extremely expensive)
• Payload (limited to internal weapons for stealth)
• Ground attack capability (secondary mission)
• Export (US law prohibits foreign sales)

Result: The most expensive fighter ever built ($150M+ per aircraft), optimized for one mission—air dominance.

Su-57 Felon: Stealth + Super-Maneuverability

Design priorities:

1. Stealth (but balanced with other needs)
2. 3D thrust vectoring (extreme maneuverability)
3. Super-maneuverability (post-stall capability)
4. Multi-role (air and ground equally capable)

Russian philosophy: Stealth is important, but so is dogfighting capability. Build an aircraft that can win beyond visual range AND in close combat.

Sacrifices made:

• Stealth compromised for maneuverability features
• Production delays
• Limited numbers (development challenges)
• Unproven technology

Result: An aircraft attempting to do everything—stealth, super-maneuverability, multi-role—with mixed success.

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Stealth Capabilities: The Invisibility Contest

F-22 Raptor Stealth

Radar Cross Section (RCS):

• Frontal RCS: 0.0001 m² (officially classified, estimates)
• All-aspect RCS: 0.0005 m² average
• Comparison: Approximately the size of a marble

Stealth features:

Shaping:

• Extreme faceting and angular surfaces
• Every surface optimized for radar reflection away from source
• No right angles or flat surfaces facing forward
• Sawtooth patterns on edges

Materials:

• Radar-absorbent materials (RAM) covering entire airframe
• Special coatings that absorb rather than reflect radar
• Composite materials in structure

Internal weapons:

• All missiles and bombs carried internally
• External stores defeat stealth (clean configuration only)

Engine signature reduction:

• S-shaped air intakes hide compressor face from radar
• Flat, rectangular exhaust nozzles reduce infrared signature
• Thrust vectoring nozzles optimized for stealth

Detection range:

• Most radars detect F-22 at 15-20 km (vs 150+ km for non-stealth fighters)
• Advanced radars (S-400, S-500) claim detection at 30-40 km
• F-22 detects threats at 150+ km (sees them before they see it)

Su-57 Felon Stealth

Radar Cross Section:

• Frontal RCS: 0.001-0.01 m² (estimates vary widely)
• All-aspect RCS: 0.1-0.5 m² (significantly larger than F-22)
• Comparison: Golf ball to baseball size

Stealth features:

Shaping:

• Blended wing-body design
• Smooth curves rather than extreme faceting
• Some flat surfaces remain (less optimized than F-22)
• LEVCON (Leading Edge Vortex Controller) visible protrusions

Materials:

• RAM coatings
• Composite materials in structure
• Special paint reducing radar signature

Partial stealth approach:

• Internal weapons bays for stealth missions
• External hardpoints for non-stealth missions (6 additional pylons)
• Can carry 10+ tons externally (defeats stealth)

Engine signature:

• Exposed engine nacelles (more visible to radar than F-22)
• Round exhaust nozzles (less stealthy than F-22 flat nozzles)
• 3D thrust vectoring requires mechanism exposure

Detection range:

• Estimated radar detection at 50-90 km by modern systems
• Better than 4th-gen fighters, worse than F-22
• Su-57 detects F-22 at estimated 40-60 km (if lucky)

Stealth Comparison Verdict

Winner: F-22 Raptor (decisively)

Reasoning:

The F-22's stealth is simply superior. Lower RCS from every angle. Better shaping. More advanced materials. Pure stealth optimization.

Real-world impact:

In beyond-visual-range combat (modern air warfare standard), the F-22 sees Su-57 first, shoots first, likely kills before Su-57 knows F-22 is there.

Su-57 counter:

Russian designers argue extreme stealth isn't necessary—good enough stealth plus super-maneuverability creates different advantages.

Analysis: This assumes getting to dogfight range. Against F-22, may never happen.

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Speed and Maneuverability: The Performance Battle

F-22 Raptor Performance

Speed:

• Maximum: Mach 2.25 (1,500+ mph)
• Supercruise: Mach 1.5+ sustained without afterburner
• Cruise: Mach 1.8

Maneuverability:

• Thrust vectoring: 2D (pitch axis only)
• Thrust-to-weight: 1.26 (loaded), 1.08 (max weight)
• Turn rate: Excellent (classified specifics)
• Post-stall capability: Limited

Altitude:

• Service ceiling: 65,000+ feet (officially)
• Combat ceiling: 50,000+ feet

Why it's fast:

• Two Pratt & Whitney F119 engines (35,000 lbs thrust each)
• Designed for sustained supersonic cruise
• Energy advantage over opponents

Su-57 Felon Performance

Speed:

• Maximum: Mach 2.0+ (estimates)
• Supercruise: Mach 1.6 (with AL-41F1 engines)
• Future: Mach 2.0+ supercruise (with planned Izdeliye 30 engines)

Maneuverability:

• Thrust vectoring: 3D (pitch AND yaw axes)
• Thrust-to-weight: 1.15+ (loaded)
• Turn rate: Exceptional (designed for extreme agility)
• Post-stall capability: Extensive (can fly "flat" with nose pointed away from velocity vector)

Altitude:

• Service ceiling: 65,000+ feet
• Combat ceiling: 50,000+ feet

Why it's maneuverable:

• 3D thrust vectoring allows impossible maneuvers
• LEVCON leading-edge devices enhance vortex control
• Designed for super-maneuverability from day one

Performance Comparison

Speed winner: F-22 (Mach 2.25 vs Mach 2.0, better supercruise)

Maneuverability winner: Su-57 (3D thrust vectoring vs 2D, post-stall capability)

Practical impact:

F-22 speed advantage: Better energy management, faster intercepts, better escape after missile launch

Su-57 maneuverability advantage: Superior dogfighting, can point nose at targets in ways F-22 cannot

The debate: Does extreme maneuverability matter if F-22 never lets you get to dogfight range?

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Sensors and Avionics: The Information War

F-22 Raptor Sensors

APG-77(V)1 AESA Radar:

• Active electronically scanned array
• 1,500+ transmit/receive modules
• Detection range: 150+ km (fighters)
• Low probability of intercept (hard for enemies to detect radar emissions)
• Can track 20+ targets simultaneously

Sensor fusion:

• Integrates radar, infrared, electronic warfare into single tactical picture
• Pilot sees fused information, not separate sensor feeds
• Revolutionary for 1990s design (now standard)

Communication:

• IFDL (Intra-Flight Data Link) shares targeting between F-22s
• Limited compatibility with other aircraft (security reasons)

Electronic warfare:

• ALR-94 passive receiver (detects threats 250+ km away)
• Can detect enemy radars before they detect F-22
• Electronic attack capabilities

Su-57 Felon Sensors

N036 Byelka AESA Radar:

• Main nose radar plus side-looking radars (X-band)
• L-band radars in wing leading edges (anti-stealth capability claimed)
• Detection range: 350+ km (large targets), 150+ km (fighters)
• Can track 30+ targets simultaneously

IRST (Infrared Search and Track):

• 101KS-V passive infrared system
• Detects aircraft by heat signature (bypasses stealth)
• Range: 50+ km (frontal), 90+ km (rear aspect against afterburner)

Sensor fusion:

• Integrates multiple radar bands, IRST, electronic warfare
• More sensors than F-22 (quantity approach)

Communication:

• Datalinks with other Russian aircraft and ground systems
• Network-centric warfare capability

Sensors Verdict

Quality: F-22 (proven, mature, highly integrated)
Quantity: Su-57 (more sensors, more radar arrays)

F-22 advantage: Superior sensor fusion, proven in combat/exercises

Su-57 advantage: L-band radars (theoretically better anti-stealth), IRST (passive detection)

Real-world: F-22's proven systems vs Su-57's theoretical advantages (untested in combat)

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Weapons and Payload: The Firepower Factor

F-22 Raptor Weapons

Internal weapons (stealth configuration):

• Main bay: 6× AIM-120D AMRAAM (radar-guided, 160+ km range)
• Side bays: 2× AIM-9X Sidewinder (infrared, high off-boresight)
• Total: 6 long-range + 2 short-range missiles

Gun:

• 20mm M61A2 Vulcan cannon
• 480 rounds

Ground attack (limited):

• 2× 1,000 lb JDAM (GPS-guided bombs) + 2× AIM-120
• Secondary mission (air-to-air primary)

External hardpoints:

• 4 available but defeat stealth (rarely used operationally)

Limitations:

• Designed for air-to-air
• Limited ground attack payload
• No external stores in stealth mode

Su-57 Felon Weapons

Internal weapons (stealth configuration):

• Main bays: 4× R-77M (radar-guided, 110+ km) OR 2× R-37M (hypersonic, 400 km!)
• Side bays: 2× R-74M (infrared, high off-boresight)
• Total: Up to 6 missiles internal

External hardpoints (non-stealth):

• 6 additional hardpoints
• Can carry 10+ tons external weapons
• Full multi-role capability

Gun:

• 30mm GSh-30-1 cannon
• 150 rounds (heavier caliber than F-22)

Ground attack:

• Full array of Russian precision weapons
• Kh-59MK2 cruise missiles
• KAB-500/1500 guided bombs
• True multi-role from design

Long-range advantage:

• R-37M hypersonic missile (400 km range!)
• Outranges any F-22 missile
• Can target AWACS, tankers from extreme distance

Weapons Verdict

Air-to-air (internal): Tie (both carry 6-8 missiles)

Long-range missiles: Su-57 (R-37M 400km vs AIM-120D 160km)

Multi-role capability: Su-57 (designed for ground attack, F-22 secondary)

Gun: Su-57 (30mm vs 20mm, heavier punch)

Practical consideration: F-22 missiles proven (thousands fired). Su-57 missiles newer, less proven.

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Combat Scenarios: Who Wins?

Scenario 1: Beyond Visual Range (BVR) Combat

Most likely modern engagement scenario

Setup:

• F-22 and Su-57 approach from 200 km apart
• Both aware of general threat area
• No AWACS support

Engagement sequence:

T-0 minutes (200 km separation):

• F-22 passive sensors detect Su-57 radar emissions at 250 km
• Su-57 searching but hasn't detected F-22 yet
• Advantage: F-22

T+2 minutes (150 km):

• F-22 active radar locks Su-57 at 150 km
• Su-57 radar detects F-22 at 90 km (inferior stealth)
• F-22 has 60 km detection advantage

T+3 minutes (120 km):

• F-22 launches 2× AIM-120D missiles
• Su-57 detects missile launch, begins evasive maneuvers
• Su-57 launches R-77M in return

T+4 minutes (100 km):

• F-22 goes defensive, uses speed and stealth to break lock
• Su-57 defending against incoming AIM-120Ds

Outcome:

F-22 advantages:

• Saw first
• Shot first
• Superior stealth aids escape

Su-57 disadvantages:

• Detected later
• Defensive from start
• Larger RCS makes escape harder

Likely result: F-22 wins 70-80% of engagements

Scenario 2: Within Visual Range (WVR) Dogfight

Unlikely but possible if BVR fails

Setup:

• Both fighters within 5 km (visual range)
• Missiles depleted or unreliable
• Guns and short-range missiles only

Engagement:

F-22 advantages:

• Speed (Mach 2.25 vs 2.0)
• Energy advantage from higher speed
• 2D thrust vectoring
• Superior training (US pilots log more hours)

Su-57 advantages:

• 3D thrust vectoring (can point nose anywhere)
• LEVCON vortex control (better high-alpha)
• Post-stall maneuvers (can fly "impossible" attitudes)
• 30mm cannon (heavier than F-22's 20mm)

Outcome:

Su-57's super-maneuverability designed for this scenario.

F-22 pilot must use:

• Energy advantage (speed and altitude)
• Vertical maneuvers (use thrust-to-weight)
• Avoid low-speed turning fight

Su-57 pilot must:

• Force slow-speed fight
• Use 3D vectoring to point and shoot
• Leverage post-stall capability

Likely result: 50-50 or slight Su-57 advantage in pure dogfight

BUT: F-22 pilots trained to avoid WVR. Use speed to escape and reset to BVR.

Scenario 3: Multi-Aircraft Engagement

Four F-22s vs Four Su-57s

F-22 advantages:

• Networking (IFDL shares targeting)
• Coordinated attacks
• Stealth allows approach from multiple vectors
• Proven tactics

Su-57 advantages:

• Datalinks with ground-based systems
• Longer-range R-37M missiles (can target support aircraft)
• IRST passive detection (can't be jammed)

Tactics:

F-22 approach:

1. Passive detection (ALR-94)
2. Coordinate via IFDL
3. Launch AIM-120Ds from multiple angles simultaneously
4. Force Su-57s defensive
5. BVR kill before merge

Su-57 approach:

1. Launch R-37M at extreme range (target AWACS/tankers if present)
2. Use IRST to avoid active radar emissions
3. Close to WVR where maneuverability advantage applies
4. Datalink with ground SAMs to constrain F-22 maneuvers

Outcome: F-22s win due to superior stealth, networking, and proven tactics. But Su-57s could score kills with lucky R-37M shots.

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Operational Status: Reality Check

F-22 Raptor Fleet

Production: 195 built (1996-2011)
Operational: 186 aircraft (2026)
Status: Fully operational, combat-proven

Service history:

• 2005: Entered service
• 2014+: Combat operations (Syria, Middle East)
• Exercises: Consistently dominates (100:1+ kill ratios)
• Reliability: Mature, proven platform

Limitations:

• No exports (US law prohibits foreign sales)
• Production ended 2011 (no new aircraft possible)
• Aging fleet (oldest aircraft 20+ years old)
• Expensive ($85,000+ per flight hour)

Advantages:

• Combat-proven (real operations over Syria, Iraq)
• Mature technology (all systems debugged)
• Experienced pilots (20 years of training evolution)

Su-57 Felon Fleet

Production: ~20 operational (2026 estimate)
Operational: Limited deployment
Status: Early operational capability

Service history:

• 2020: Initial operational capability
• 2022+: Limited Syria deployment
• Combat use: Unconfirmed (possibly Ukraine periphery)
• Reliability: Unknown (limited data)

Limitations:

• Very limited numbers (~20 vs 186 F-22s)
• Production delays (engine issues, technology challenges)
• Unproven (no confirmed air-to-air combat)
• Export uncertainty (few international orders)

Advantages:

• Newer design (2010s vs 1990s F-22)
• Still improving (engine upgrades coming)
• Potential (on paper, impressive capabilities)

Numbers Matter

In any conflict:

186 F-22s + 1,000+ F-35s (USA)

vs

~20 Su-57s + modernized 4th-gen fleet (Russia)

Quantity has a quality all its own. Su-57's limited numbers mean F-22 + F-35 combination overwhelms through sheer force.

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Technical Specifications Comparison

Specification	F-22 Raptor	Su-57 Felon
Length	18.9 m (62 ft)	19.8 m (65 ft)
Wingspan	13.6 m (44.5 ft)	14.0 m (46 ft)
Height	5.1 m (16.7 ft)	4.7 m (15.4 ft)
Empty Weight	19,700 kg	18,000 kg (est)
Max Takeoff	38,000 kg	35,000 kg
Engines	2× F119-PW-100	2× AL-41F1
Thrust	35,000 lbf each	32,500 lbf each
Max Speed	Mach 2.25	Mach 2.0+
Supercruise	Mach 1.5+	Mach 1.6
Range	2,960 km	3,500 km (est)
Service Ceiling	65,000+ ft	65,000+ ft
Thrust Vectoring	2D (pitch)	3D (pitch + yaw)
Internal Weapons	6+2 missiles	6 missiles
Gun	20mm (480 rds)	30mm (150 rds)
RCS (frontal)	0.0001 m²	0.001-0.01 m²
Unit Cost	$150M+	$50-100M (est)
Operational	186	~20

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The Verdict: Which is Better?

If Forced to Choose ONE Winner

In Air-to-Air Combat: F-22 Raptor

Reasons:

1. Superior stealth = see first, shoot first advantage
2. Proven combat = F-22 actually works as advertised
3. Numbers = 186 operational vs ~20
4. Mature technology = all systems debugged
5. Pilot training = US pilots better trained (more flight hours)

Score: F-22 wins 70-80% of BVR engagements

Where Su-57 Has Advantages

1. Super-maneuverability (3D thrust vectoring)
2. Long-range missiles (R-37M 400km)
3. Multi-role (better ground attack from start)
4. Newer design (potential for growth)
5. Cost ($50-100M vs $150M+)

Score: Su-57 wins 50-60% of WVR dogfights

The Nuanced Answer

"Better" depends on scenario:

Beyond Visual Range (modern warfare): F-22 dominates

• Superior stealth wins
• Sees first, shoots first
• Proven tactics and training

Within Visual Range (dogfighting): Su-57 competitive

• Super-maneuverability advantage
• 3D thrust vectoring allows impossible shots
• But F-22 avoids this scenario

Overall capability: F-22 wins

• Better at most likely scenario (BVR)
• Proven in combat and exercises
• Operational in meaningful numbers

Potential capability: Su-57 intriguing

• On paper, impressive
• Once fully developed, could compete
• But limited numbers and unproven tech

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Real-World Factors Beyond Aircraft

What Really Determines Air Combat Outcomes

1. Pilot Training

• US pilots: 200-300 flight hours/year
• Russian pilots: 100-150 hours/year (average)
• Advantage: USA

2. Support Systems

• AWACS (airborne radar)
• Tankers (aerial refueling)
• Satellites (intelligence)
• Advantage: USA (larger support fleet)

3. Numbers

• F-22: 186 operational
• F-35: 1,000+ operational
• Su-57: ~20 operational
• Advantage: USA (overwhelming quantity)

4. Doctrine and Tactics

• US: 20+ years F-22 tactics evolution
• Russia: Limited Su-57 operational experience
• Advantage: USA

5. Maintenance and Readiness

• F-22: ~60-70% mission capable rate
• Su-57: Unknown (limited data)
• Advantage: F-22 (mature logistics)

The uncomfortable truth: Even if Su-57 were slightly superior aircraft (it's not), US advantages in pilots, numbers, support, and experience would likely determine outcome.

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Future: Next-Generation Competition

USA - NGAD (6th Generation)

Timeline: 2030+
Features:

• Even greater stealth than F-22
• AI assistance
• Optional manned/unmanned
• Loyal wingman drones
• Hypersonic weapons

Goal: Maintain air dominance through 2050+

Russia - PAK-DP / 6th Gen

Timeline: Unknown (2030s?)
Features:

• Interceptor focus
• Hypersonic weapons
• AI integration
• Improved stealth

Challenge: Funding limitations, technology gaps

Reality: F-22 vs Su-57 competition may be moot by 2035. New generation arriving.

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Conclusion: The Stealth Showdown Winner

In a direct F-22 vs Su-57 engagement, the F-22 Raptor wins.

Not because it's perfect. The F-22 has limitations—expensive, aging, limited ground attack capability.

Not because the Su-57 is bad. On paper, the Felon is impressive—super-maneuverable, long-range missiles, true multi-role.

The F-22 wins because:

1. Superior stealth = fundamental advantage in modern air combat
2. Proven effectiveness = combat operations, exercise dominance
3. Operational numbers = 186 vs ~20 makes huge difference
4. Mature technology = works as designed, not theoretical
5. Pilot training = better trained crews flying it

The Su-57's potential is real. With better engines (Izdeliye 30), more production units, and operational experience, it could close the gap.

But potential isn't reality.

In 2026, if F-22 and Su-57 fought:

Beyond visual range: F-22 wins 70-80%
Dogfight range: 50-50 or slight Su-57 edge
Overall: F-22 wins due to ability to dictate engagement

The debate will rage on. American patriots will claim F-22 invincibility. Russian advocates will argue Su-57's underestimated. Reality is nuanced.

But the evidence favors the Raptor.

The F-22 remains the world's premier air superiority fighter. The Su-57 is an impressive challenger that hasn't yet proven itself.

USA: 1. Russia: 0.

For now. 🇺🇸 vs 🇷🇺