F-22 Raptor vs F-14 Tomcat

By: Rocco · December 6, 2022

Comparing the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor vs the Grumman F-14 Tomcat? Start with the quick spec breakdown below, then dive into the story for the bigger picture.

Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor
Military Aircraft
Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor
Grumman F-14 Tomcat
Fighter Jets
Grumman F-14 Tomcat

General

Units
Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor
Manufacturer
Lockheed Martin
ICAO code
F22
Produced
2005–2011
Price
$139 million (1900)
Engine
2 × Pratt & Whitney F119-PW-100
Engine type
Turbofan
Thrust
2 × 35,000 lbf · 156 kN +26% (total)
Avionics
Lockheed F/A-22 Integrated avionics, AN/AAR-56 Missile Launch Detector (MLD)
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
1
Grumman F-14 Tomcat
Manufacturer
Grumman
ICAO code
F14
Produced
1969–1991
Price
$50 million (1900)
Engine
2 × General Electric F110-GE-400
Engine type
Turbofan
Thrust
2 × 27,800 lbf · 124 kN -21% (total)
Avionics
Hughes AN/AWG-9, AN/ALR-23, Raytheon AN/APG-71
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
2

Dimensions

Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor
Cabin width
0 ft 0 in 0.00 m 0 ft 0 in 0.00 m
Cabin height
0 ft 0 in 0.00 m 0 ft 0 in 0.00 m
Cabin length
0 ft 0 in 0.00 m 0 ft 0 in 0.00 m
Exterior length
62 ft 0 in 18.90 m 62 ft 0 in 18.90 m -1%
Tail height
16 ft 8 in 5.08 m 16 ft 8 in 5.08 m +4%
Fuselage diameter
0 ft 0 in 0.00 m 0 ft 0 in 0.00 m
Wing span
44 ft 6 in 13.56 m 44 ft 6 in 13.56 m -31%
Baggage volume
0 ft 0 in 0.00 m 0 ft 0 in 0.00 m
Grumman F-14 Tomcat
Cabin width
0 ft 0 in 0.00 m 0 ft 0 in 0.00 m
Cabin height
0 ft 0 in 0.00 m 0 ft 0 in 0.00 m
Cabin length
0 ft 0 in 0.00 m 0 ft 0 in 0.00 m
Exterior length
62 ft 8 in 19.10 m 62 ft 8 in 19.10 m +1%
Tail height
16 ft 1 in 4.90 m 16 ft 1 in 4.90 m -4%
Fuselage diameter
0 ft 0 in 0.00 m 0 ft 0 in 0.00 m
Wing span
64 ft 2 in 19.55 m 64 ft 2 in 19.55 m +44%
Baggage volume
0 ft 0 in 0.00 m 0 ft 0 in 0.00 m

Weights

Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor
Max payload
3,900 lb 1,800 kg 3,900 lb 1,800 kg -73%
Fuel capacity
2,400 gal 9,085 L 2,400 gal 9,085 L -20%
Max takeoff weight
84,000 lb 38,000 kg 84,000 lb 38,000 kg +13%
Grumman F-14 Tomcat
Max payload
14,600 lb 6,600 kg 14,600 lb 6,600 kg +272%
Fuel capacity
2,985 gal 11,299 L 2,985 gal 11,299 L +24%
Max takeoff weight
74,500 lb 33,700 kg 74,500 lb 33,700 kg -11%

Performance

Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor
Max cruise speed
1,963 kt · 2,259 mph 3,635 km/h 1,963 kt 2,259 mph 3,635 km/h +46%
Approach speed
Rate of climb
68,897 ft/min 350 m/s 68,897 ft/min 350 m/s +53%
Range
1,600 nm · 1,840 mi 2,960 km 1,600 nm 1,840 mi 2,960 km 0%
Service ceiling
65,000 ft 19,800 m 65,000 ft 19,800 m +16%
Takeoff distance
1,570 ft 480 m 1,570 ft 480 m -37%
Landing distance
660 ft 200 m 660 ft 200 m -73%
Grumman F-14 Tomcat
Max cruise speed
1,342 kt · 1,544 mph 2,485 km/h 1,342 kt 1,544 mph 2,485 km/h -32%
Approach speed
125 kt · 144 mph 232 km/h 125 kt 144 mph 232 km/h
Rate of climb
45,000 ft/min 229 m/s 45,000 ft/min 229 m/s -35%
Range
1,600 nm · 1,840 mi 2,960 km 1,600 nm 1,840 mi 2,960 km 0%
Service ceiling
56,000 ft 17,100 m 56,000 ft 17,100 m -14%
Takeoff distance
2,500 ft 760 m 2,500 ft 760 m +59%
Landing distance
2,400 ft 730 m 2,400 ft 730 m +266%

The F22 Raptor and the F14 Tomcat are both iconic fighter jets. Though they were both designed in the late 1970s, they both remain in service today. So which jet is better? In this article, we will compare the features and specs of each aircraft to see which one comes out on top!

Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor

The F-22 aircraft is a fifth-generation fighter jet that was designed for both air-to-air and air-to-ground combat. The aircraft is highly maneuverable and has a top speed of Mach 2.2. It is equipped with state-of-the-art avionics and sensors, as well as weapons systems that make it a formidable opponent in any situation.

The F-22 has a wingspan of 44 feet and is 62 feet long. It weighs approximately 43,000 pounds when fully loaded with fuel and weapons. The F-22 is powered by two Pratt & Whitney F119 engines that generate more than 35,000 pounds of thrust each. The F-22 first flew in 1997 and entered service with the US Air Force in 2005. To date, there are 183 F-22 aircraft in service with the US Air Force.

Why was the F-22 aircraft built & developed?

The F-22 aircraft was built and developed for multiple reasons. It was designed to be an air superiority fighter, which means that its primary role is to gain control of the skies in combat situations.

To do this, the F-22 is equipped with some features that make it exceptionally maneuverable and deadly accurate. For example, its engines are designed to give it supercruise capability, meaning that it can sustain supersonic speeds without using afterburners.

Additionally, the F-22 is equipped with advanced sensors and avionics that allow it to detect and track targets at long range. This gives the F-22 a significant advantage over other fighter jets, as it can engage enemies before they are even aware of its presence.

Finally, the F-22 is armed with a variety of air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons that make it a highly versatile fighter jet.

What purpose does the F-22 serve?

The F-22 has unique capabilities that make it essential to the military. First, the F-22 is highly maneuverable and can perform multiple turns in a short time. This makes it difficult for enemy aircraft to target the F-22. Second, the F-22 can fly at supersonic speeds without using afterburners. This makes it difficult for enemy radar systems to detect the F-22. Third, the F-22 has an integrated avionics system that fuses information from multiple sensors and allows the pilot to see through the aircraft’s skin.

Finally, the F-22 is equipped with powerful air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles that can engage multiple targets at once.

Grumman F-14 Tomcat

The F-14 was designed to intercept and destroy enemy aircraft at long range. It entered service in 1974 with the U.S. Navy and retired from service in 2006. The F-14 was equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including powerful radar, long-range missiles, and a versatile jet fighter capable of carrying out multiple mission types. The F-14 was armed with a 20mm M61A1 Vulcan cannon and could carry up to six AIM-54 Phoenix missiles.

The F-14 had a maximum speed of Mach 2.34 (1,544 mph) and a range of over 2,000 miles. The F-14 was used extensively in combat during the Persian Gulf War and shot down 36 enemy aircraft.

Why was the F-14 designed?

The F-14 aircraft was designed as an air superiority fighter and later incorporated into casualty escort and ground-attack roles during its operational lifetime. F-14 entered service with the U.S. Navy in 1974 and was retired from active duty in 2006, having been replaced by the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet.

The F-14 was the first such redesign, incorporating NATO standard electronics into a sleek “teenage”-looking interceptor design that first flew in December 1970.

What purpose does the F-14 serve?

The F-14 aircraft is a twin-engine, supersonic fighter jet that was used by the United States military from 1974 until 2006. F-14s were designed to intercept Soviet bombers and were equipped with long-range missiles that could take down enemy aircraft from afar. The F-14 was also able to carry a heavy payload of bombs and could be used for air-to-ground attacks.

The F-14 Tomcat is a fourth generation, twin-engine, two-seat fighter aircraft that first entered service in 1972 with the U.S. Navy. Both are expensive projects by the American air force but the F-22 is more expensive than the F-14.

Similarities Between the F-22 & F-14

The F-22 Raptor and F-14 Tomcat are two of the most advanced fighter jets in the world. Both planes are highly maneuverable and can reach supersonic speeds. They are also equipped with state-of-the-art avionics and weapons systems.

However, there are several key differences between the two aircraft. The F-22 is a fifth-generation jet fighter, while the F-14 is a fourth-generation aircraft. The F-22 is also significantly smaller than the F-14, with a wingspan of 44 feet compared to the F-14’s 64-foot wingspan. Perhaps the most significant difference between the two aircraft is their cost. The F-22 costs approximately $150 million per plane, while the F-14 costs around $38 million per plane.

F-22: What’s Better

The F-22 Raptor is a 5th generation fighter aircraft that was introduced in 2005. F-14 Tomcat is a 4th generation fighter aircraft that was introduced in 1971. F-22s are often considered to be better than F-14s for the following reasons: F-22s have more advanced avionics, F-22s have a higher service ceiling, F-22s have a higher top speed, and F-22s are stealthier.

However, F-14s do have some advantages over F-22s: F-14s have a longer range, F-14s can carry more weapons, and F-14s have better fuel efficiency.

F-14: What’s Better

The F-14 Tomcat is a better aircraft than the F-22 Raptor. The F-14 Tomcat has more range, can carry more weapons, and is cheaper to maintain. The F-22 Raptor is newer and stealthier but can not match the F-14 Tomcat in a dogfight. The F-14 Tomcat has a two-seat cockpit whereas the F-22 Raptor has a single-seat cockpit. The F-14 Tomcat also has an indoor fighter plane using an air superiority fighter that was developed by Northrop Grumman.

Conclusion: F22 vs F14

The F-22 Raptor is a newer, more advanced, and stealthier aircraft than the F-14 Tomcat. However, the F-14 Tomcat is cheaper to maintain and can carry more weapons. It is also important to note that the F-14 Tomcat has a two-seat cockpit, while the F-22 Raptor has a single-seat cockpit. Ultimately, the decision of which aircraft is better depends on the specific needs of the military or organization using them.