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Question : What are the differences between the F-35 and the F-22? Why is the F-35 being developed if the F-22 is already capable at many tasks besides air superiority?   Answer : I worked on both the F-22 and F-35 while at the Pentagon, and did extensive F-22 simulations for Lockheed-Martin back in 1996-97. The two aircraft we designed for two different missions. You can equate the F-22 to the F-15 and the F-35 to the F-16 or F-18. The USAF is the only service to fly the F-22, and it is designed for air superiority. It just happens to be very stealthy and fast, and can drop bombs, but they are small bombs. The F-35 is designed for many services (USAF, USN, USMC as well as the British RAF and Royal Navy). It’s main role is ground attack/Interdiction and long range Strike. It can perform the air to air mission, but has a larger bomb load than the F-22. It is also stealthy and has a great avionics suite (more modern than the F-22 since it was designed later). Both aircraft are complimentary, and the country needs the capabilities afforded by both. Mike   Was this answer useful to you? Back

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