F-22 Raptor vs Su-57
Spec-driven on-paper analysis — who wins what scenario.
Spec table
| Spec | F-22 Raptor | Su-57 |
|---|---|---|
| Max speed (mph) (mph) | 1,500 | 1,616 |
| Max speed (Mach) (Mach) | 2.25 | 2 |
| Combat radius / range (mi) | 1,840 | 3,107 |
| Service ceiling (ft) | 65,000 | 65,600 |
| MTOW (lb) | 83,500 | 77,162 |
| Empty weight (lb) | 43,340 | 35,274 |
| Payload (lb) | 6,000 | 15,000 |
| Endurance (hr) | 3 | 4 |
| Length (ft) | 62.1 | 65.9 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 44.5 | 46.6 |
| Thrust-to-weight ratio (MTOW) | 0.84 | 0.86 |
Green = leader on that dimension. Higher is treated as better for all rows shown.
On-paper verdict
- Max speed (mph): Su-57 (+8%)
- Max speed (Mach): F-22 Raptor (+13%)
- Combat radius / range: Su-57 (+69%)
- Service ceiling: Su-57 (+1%)
- MTOW: F-22 Raptor (+8%)
- Empty weight: F-22 Raptor (+23%)
- Payload: Su-57 (+150%)
- Endurance: Su-57 (+33%)
- Length: Su-57 (+6%)
- Wingspan: Su-57 (+5%)
- Thrust-to-weight ratio (MTOW): Su-57 (+2%)
Beyond Visual Range (BVR, > 40 nm)
Su-57 entered service 15 years later, so it generally fields a more modern radar generation (AESA vs. mechanically-scanned arrays in older airframes) and longer-range BVR weapons. In BVR engagements, the newer-radar aircraft typically wins the first-shot opportunity.
Within Visual Range (WVR, dogfight)
Su-57 carries a thrust-to-weight ratio of 0.86 versus 0.84 for F-22 Raptor (using MTOW; combat-weight T/W is meaningfully higher for both). The higher T/W gives Su-57 better instantaneous acceleration after a turn, better energy retention through a sustained turn, and a more vertical fight option. F-22 Raptor likely depends more on energy-management discipline to come out on top in a knife fight.
High-altitude intercept
F-22 Raptor has the speed advantage (Mach 2.25 vs 2); Su-57 has the altitude advantage (65,600 ft vs 65,000 ft). Whoever owns the intercept depends on the target's flight profile.
Strike / strategic mission
Su-57 reaches 3,107 mi unrefueled — 69% more range than the other (1,840 mi). In strike profiles where the target sits deep behind enemy lines, the longer-legged aircraft engages without tanker support. Su-57 carries 15,000 lb of payload (150% more), letting it hit the target with more weapons or stand off with larger / longer-range munitions.
Frequently asked questions
Which is more agile, F-22 Raptor or Su-57?
By thrust-to-weight ratio (a strong proxy for instantaneous turn performance), Su-57 leads with 0.86 versus 0.84. Agility in actual combat also depends on wing loading, flight-control law, pilot skill, and energy-management discipline.
Which has the longer combat radius?
F-22 Raptor: 1840 mi vs 3107 mi (manufacturer-published unrefueled range; actual combat radius is typically 30-50% lower depending on weapons load and reserves).
Which has the more modern radar / avionics?
F-22 Raptor entered service in 2005, Su-57 in 2020. The newer-service-entry airframe usually carries a more modern radar generation, though both have received upgrades over their lifetime.
Could they realistically face each other in combat?
Both are operated by major air forces. Whether they have actually flown against each other in combat or only in exercises depends on the specific airframes and political climate. The reference pages link to documented service histories.
Is this comparison authoritative?
No. This is a spec-driven on-paper analysis. Real combat outcomes are dominated by pilot skill, training quality, doctrine, tactics, ground-controlled-intercept support, electronic warfare, and weapons-loadout choices — none of which appear in the public spec sheet. Treat this as a starting point for further research, not a verdict.
Sources
Spec values pulled from each aircraft's reference page in the gallery, which aggregates manufacturer-published figures with Wikipedia-cited sources:
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