F-22 Raptor vs F/A-18 Hornet

By: Rocco

Comparing the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor vs the Boeing F/A-18 Hornet? 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
ICAO: F22 Status: Inactive Visit aircraft page
Boeing F/A-18 Hornet
Fighter Jets
Boeing F/A-18 Hornet
ICAO: F18 Status: Inactive Visit aircraft page

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 +97% (total)
Avionics
Lockheed F/A-22 Integrated avionics, AN/AAR-56 Missile Launch Detector (MLD)
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
1
Boeing F/A-18 Hornet
Manufacturer
Boeing
ICAO code
F18
Produced
1983–Present
Price
$29 million (2006)
Engine
2 × General Electric F404-GE-402
Engine type
Turbofan
Thrust
2 × 17,750 lbf · 79 kN -49% (total)
Avionics
Ratheon APG 73
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 +11%
Tail height
16 ft 8 in 5.08 m 16 ft 8 in 5.08 m +8%
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 +10%
Baggage volume
0 ft 0 in 0.00 m 0 ft 0 in 0.00 m
Boeing F/A-18 Hornet
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
56 ft 1 in 17.10 m 56 ft 1 in 17.10 m -10%
Tail height
15 ft 5 in 4.70 m 15 ft 5 in 4.70 m -7%
Fuselage diameter
0 ft 0 in 0.00 m 0 ft 0 in 0.00 m
Wing span
40 ft 4 in 12.30 m 40 ft 4 in 12.30 m -9%
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 -75%
Fuel capacity
2,400 gal 9,085 L 2,400 gal 9,085 L -9%
Max takeoff weight
84,000 lb 38,000 kg 84,000 lb 38,000 kg +61%
Boeing F/A-18 Hornet
Max payload
15,400 lb 7,000 kg 15,400 lb 7,000 kg +294%
Fuel capacity
2,625 gal 9,937 L 2,625 gal 9,937 L +9%
Max takeoff weight
52,000 lb 23,600 kg 52,000 lb 23,600 kg -38%

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 +90%
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 -11%
Service ceiling
65,000 ft 19,800 m 65,000 ft 19,800 m +30%
Takeoff distance
1,570 ft 480 m 1,570 ft 480 m +5%
Landing distance
660 ft 200 m 660 ft 200 m -50%
Boeing F/A-18 Hornet
Max cruise speed
1,034 kt · 1,190 mph 1,915 km/h 1,034 kt 1,190 mph 1,915 km/h -47%
Approach speed
155 kt · 178 mph 287 km/h 155 kt 178 mph 287 km/h
Rate of climb
45,000 ft/min 229 m/s 45,000 ft/min 229 m/s -35%
Range
1,800 nm · 2,070 mi 3,330 km 1,800 nm 2,070 mi 3,330 km +13%
Service ceiling
50,000 ft 15,200 m 50,000 ft 15,200 m -23%
Takeoff distance
1,500 ft 460 m 1,500 ft 460 m -5%
Landing distance
1,310 ft 400 m 1,310 ft 400 m +100%

Military fighter jets are some of the most advanced and impressive machines on the planet. They can reach speeds of up to Mach 2.5, and they are packed with state-of-the-art features and specs. In this article, we will compare the F22 Raptor with the F18 Hornet. We will look at their features, specs, strengths, and weaknesses to see which one comes out on top!

Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor

The F22 is a twin-engine fighter aircraft that was designed for both air-to-air and air-to-ground combat. The F22 is the most advanced fighter aircraft in the world, and it is the only operational fighter aircraft that has stealth technology.

The F22 has a top speed of Mach 2.25, and it can fly at altitudes up to 60,000 feet. The F22 is armed with a 20mm M61A2 Vulcan cannon, and it can carry up to eight missiles. The F22 has a crew of two, and it can stay in the air for more than six hours.

The F22 entered service in 2005, and it is currently operated by the United States Air Force and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force.

Why was the F-22 built

The F22 aircraft was built and developed for a variety of reasons. First, it’s an air superiority fighter, designed to take on enemy aircraft in combat and prevail. It’s highly maneuverable, making it difficult for enemies to target. Moreover, the F22 is equipped with stealth technology, making it invisible to radars.

This makes it hard for enemies to track and target it in combat. Finally, the F22 is equipped with a variety of powerful weapons, including air-to-air missiles, making it a formidable opponent in combat.

Consequently, the F22 aircraft was built and developed to provide the United States Air Force with a top-of-the-line fighter jet, capable of taking on any enemy in combat and emerging victorious.

Purpose of the F-22

The F22 aircraft is a vital part of the US military. Its primary purpose is to provide air support for ground troops. It’s also responsible for overseeing and protecting friendly airspace, as well as providing aerial refueling capabilities.

The F22 can fly at supersonic speeds and has a range of over 2,000 miles. It’s equipped with state-of-the-art weapons and sensor systems, making it one of the most advanced fighter jets in the world. Furthermore, the F22 is also used for training purposes. As such, it plays a critical role in preparing pilots for real-world combat situations.

Boeing F/A-18 Hornet

The F18 aircraft is a twin-engine, carrier-based fighter jet. It is capable of supersonic speeds and can reach a top speed of Mach 1.8. The F18 has a wingspan of 40 feet and is 58 feet long. It has a maximum takeoff weight of 64,000 pounds and can carry a payload of 18,000 pounds.

The F18 is armed with two 20mm cannons and can carry a variety of air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles. It is powered by two F404 engines, each providing 16,000 pounds of thrust. The F18 was first flown in 1986 and entered service with the US Navy in 1993. It has since been exported to several countries, including Australia, Canada, Kuwait, Malaysia, and Spain.

Why was the F/A-18 Hornet built

The F18 was designed as a versatile aircraft that could be used for both air-to-air and air-to-ground combat. It is equipped with a variety of weapons, including missiles, bombs, and a 20mm cannon.

The F18 can also be configured to perform reconnaissance missions and electronic warfare. In addition, the F18 can operate from both aircraft carriers and land-based airfields.

The F18’s versatile design makes it a valuable asset for the military, and its capabilities have been put to use in several conflicts, including the Persian Gulf War and the War in Afghanistan.

Purpose of the F/A-18 Hornet

The F18 is a fighter aircraft that serves multiple purposes in the military. It can be used for air-to-air combat as well as air-to-ground attacks. The F18 is equipped with various weapons, including heat-seeking missiles, bombs, and machine guns. It also has a state-of-the-art avionics system that allows it to fly in all weather conditions and at night.

The F18 is one of the most versatile and effective fighter jets in the world, and it plays a critical role in the military’s ability to defend against both air and ground threats.

Differences between the F-22 and F-18

F18 and F22 aircraft are two of the most popular fighter jets used by the US military. They both have their strengths and weaknesses, making them suitable for different types of missions. The F18 is a faster and more maneuverable aircraft, making it ideal for close-quarters combat. It is also equipped with a variety of weapons, including machine guns and air-to-air missiles.

The F22, on the other hand, is designed for long-range engagements. It can fly at supersonic speeds without using afterburners, making it harder for enemy radar to detect. It is also equipped with advanced sensors and electronic warfare capabilities. In short, the F22 is a more versatile and Lethal aircraft than the F18, but the F18 is better suited for dogfights and close-range engagements.

Similarities between the F-22 and F-18

F18 and F22 aircraft are both manufactured by American Company Boeing. F22 is a newer model while F18 is an older model. Both F18 and F22 are designed for air superiority and ground attack.

F22 is stealthier than F18 because of its hidden engines and advanced materials. This makes F22 less likely to be detected on radar. F22 is also faster than F18 and can fly at twice the speed of sound. F22 has more advanced avionics than F18. F22 can carry more weapons than F18 because it has internal weapon bays. F18 does not have internal weapon bays and can only carry weapons on external hard points. Both aircraft are used by the United States Air Force.

The Japanese also fly F22, Israeli, and Saudi Arabian Air Forces.

F-22: The Good

F22 is better than F18 in several ways. F22 is faster, has a longer range, and is more maneuverable. F22 can also carry more weapons and is better equipped to evade enemy radar. In addition, F22 has advanced avionics and sensors that allow pilots to detect and engage enemies at a much greater distance.

Consequently, F22 is a more effective fighter jet and is likely to succeed in combat situations.

F-18: The Good

The F18 is a newer model than the F22, so it has some advantages in terms of technology and design. For example, the F18 has a more powerful engine and better aerodynamics. It also has a larger weapons payload and higher fuel capacity. In addition, the F18 is easier to maintain and operates at a lower cost than the F22.

As a result, the F18 is generally considered to be the better option for military use.

Conclusion: F-22 vs F-18

The F22 is a newer, more advanced aircraft that has many advantages over the F18. It is faster, has a longer range, and is more maneuverable. The F22 can also carry more weapons and is better equipped to evade enemy radar. In addition, the F22 has advanced avionics and sensors that allow pilots to detect and engage enemies at a much greater distance. Consequently, the F22 is a more effective fighter jet than the F18 and is likely to succeed in combat situations.