Su-27 vs F-22

By: Rocco · January 12, 2023

Comparing the Sukhoi Su-27 “Flanker” vs the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor? Start with the quick spec breakdown below, then dive into the story for the bigger picture.

Sukhoi Su-27 “Flanker”
Fighter Jets
Sukhoi Su-27 “Flanker”
Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor
Military Aircraft
Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor

General

Units
Sukhoi Su-27 “Flanker”
Manufacturer
Sukhoi
ICAO code
SU27
Produced
1985–Present
Price
$37 million (1900)
Engine
2 × Saturn/Lyulka AL-31F turbofans
Engine type
Turbofan
Thrust
2 × 27,600 lbf · 123 kN -21% (total)
Avionics
Sukhoi Search and Track Radar / Fire Control, OEPS-27 IRST, OEPS-27 electro-optical targeting system
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
1 economy · 1 business
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 +27% (total)
Avionics
Lockheed F/A-22 Integrated avionics, AN/AAR-56 Missile Launch Detector (MLD)
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
1

Dimensions

Sukhoi Su-27 “Flanker”
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
71 ft 10 in 21.90 m 71 ft 10 in 21.90 m +16%
Tail height
19 ft 5 in 5.92 m 19 ft 5 in 5.92 m +17%
Fuselage diameter
0 ft 0 in 0.00 m 0 ft 0 in 0.00 m
Wing span
48 ft 3 in 14.70 m 48 ft 3 in 14.70 m +8%
Baggage volume
0 ft 0 in 0.00 m 0 ft 0 in 0.00 m
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 -14%
Tail height
16 ft 8 in 5.08 m 16 ft 8 in 5.08 m -14%
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 -8%
Baggage volume
0 ft 0 in 0.00 m 0 ft 0 in 0.00 m

Weights

Sukhoi Su-27 “Flanker”
Max payload
9,900 lb 4,500 kg 9,900 lb 4,500 kg +153%
Fuel capacity
3,080 gal 11,659 L 3,080 gal 11,659 L +28%
Max takeoff weight
67,000 lb 30,500 kg 67,000 lb 30,500 kg -20%
Max landing weight
46,300 lb 21,000 kg 46,300 lb 21,000 kg
Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor
Max payload
3,900 lb 1,800 kg 3,900 lb 1,800 kg -61%
Fuel capacity
2,400 gal 9,085 L 2,400 gal 9,085 L -22%
Max takeoff weight
84,000 lb 38,000 kg 84,000 lb 38,000 kg +25%
Max landing weight

Performance

Sukhoi Su-27 “Flanker”
Max cruise speed
1,546 kt · 1,779 mph 2,863 km/h 1,546 kt 1,779 mph 2,863 km/h -21%
Approach speed
129 kt · 148 mph 239 km/h 129 kt 148 mph 239 km/h
Rate of climb
54,000 ft/min 274 m/s 54,000 ft/min 274 m/s -22%
Range
1,906 nm · 2,190 mi 3,530 km 1,906 nm 2,190 mi 3,530 km +19%
Service ceiling
62,000 ft 18,900 m 62,000 ft 18,900 m -5%
Takeoff distance
1,480 ft 450 m 1,480 ft 450 m -6%
Landing distance
2,050 ft 620 m 2,050 ft 620 m +210%
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 +27%
Approach speed
Rate of climb
68,897 ft/min 350 m/s 68,897 ft/min 350 m/s +28%
Range
1,600 nm · 1,840 mi 2,960 km 1,600 nm 1,840 mi 2,960 km -16%
Service ceiling
65,000 ft 19,800 m 65,000 ft 19,800 m +5%
Takeoff distance
1,570 ft 480 m 1,570 ft 480 m +7%
Landing distance
660 ft 200 m 660 ft 200 m -68%

Which fighter jet is better? The Su 27 or the F 22? This is a question that has been debated for many years. Some people believe the Su 27 is a better jet, while others think the F 22 is superior. In this blog post, we will take a look at both jets and compare them side by side.

We will discuss their specifications, features, and performance to see which jet comes out on top!

The Sukhoi Su-27

The Su 27, developed and built by the Soviet Union in the early 1980s, was designed to be a long-range air superiority fighter. Filled to the brim with cutting-edge technology and top-notch maneuverability, the powerful aircraft served as a formidable opponent on the battlefield.

It boasted weaponry such as 30mm cannons, air-to-air missiles, and infrared tracking systems that were unmatched by its adversaries. Equipped for offense and defense, this multi-role aircraft also had sensors that could detect incoming threats from both land and water.

Designed for quick response times and excellent coverage radius, the Su 27 could remain airborne for extended periods allowing it to be deployed at multiple locations during ongoing battles.

Among its many uses stands out as intercepting enemy bombers, providing close air support, and protecting friendly forces from hostile threats in the air.

The Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor

The F-22 Raptor was developed and built by Lockheed Martin in collaboration with Boeing to serve as an air superiority fighter.

The aircraft was designed using advanced stealth technology, a powerful engine, and sophisticated avionics to perform both offensive and defensive roles while remaining undetected by enemy forces.

It can reach Mach 1.82 speeds without afterburners and operate at an altitude of up to 65,000 feet.

Further, its capabilities include all-aspect fighter maneuvers and advanced sensors, including electronically scanned array radars for long-range detection and tracking of multiple target engagements at once.

Night vision capability for precision strike operations, the ability to control other aircraft remotely via satellite communications links, and integrated electronic warfare equipment for self-protection from enemy systems.

In conclusion, the purpose of the F-22 is to provide security and safety to the citizens within its jurisdiction by detecting threats before they appear and eliminating them if necessary.

Differences between the Sukhoi Su-27 and The Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor

The Su 27 and F 22 are unique fighter jets that offer other advantages. The most obvious difference is that the Su 27 is considerably more significant than the F 22, with a maximum take-off weight of 34 tonnes compared to the F 22’s 19 tonnes.

As well as differences in size, these two planes have different performances. The Su 27 has an impressive combat radius of 1,400 km, and it can reach a top speed of Mach 2.35 for short periods, whereas the F 22 boasts more incredible speed (Mach 2.25) and range (1,850 km).

Despite its greater power, the F 22 is also noted for its advanced stealth technology, making it difficult to detect on radar. Both aircraft have robust avionics suites to further aid them in combat scenarios.

In short, while they both offer formidable capabilities, their differences make them suitable for different roles in modern air forces; each offers something different that may be advantageous in various situations.

Similarities between the Sukhoi Su-27 and The Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor

One of the most amazing similarities between the Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker and the F-22 Raptor is their impressive maneuverability. Both aircraft can perform dramatic aerobatic maneuvers and gain advantages over other fighters during dogfights.

The Sukhoi’s ability to perform quick turns and high thrust-to-weight ratio gives it a distinct advantage in tight combat scenarios. At the same time, the F- 22’s thrust vectoring exhaust nozzles allow it to twist and turn through the air as if on rails.

They also feature forward-swept wings, which offer increased agility and more significant structural strength. Their impressive speed capabilities also put them ahead of competitors.

The F-22 can accelerate faster than any other fighter to reach supersonic speed without using afterburners. The Su-27 possesses enough power to hold its own against enemy fighters in long chase engagements.

The similarities between these two excellent aircraft showcase apparent parallels in design, capability, and performance that make both machines formidable opponents in aerial combat scenarios.

What’s better about the Sukhoi Su-27

Here are four better things about Su-27

High performance:

In terms of speed and performance, it matches or exceeds most other fighter jets. It can reach up to 2.35 Mach, far higher than its contemporaries like the F-18 Hornet, which often reaches 1.9 Mach.

It’s long-range:

It also benefits from an extended range of over 1,000 miles and superior maneuverability thanks to its thrust vector control system, which helps give it unparalleled agility even at low speeds and close ranges.

Heavily armed:

The Su-27 pack’s significant firepower with two built-in 30mm cannons and the capability for up to 12 challenging point stations with different varieties of weapons for delivering rockets, missiles, or bombs with superior accuracy and precision.

It’s advance:

It has a solid construction with advanced active electronically scanned array radar systems making them resistant and reliable when flying into chaotic airspaces during combat operations.

What’s better about the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor

Here are four better things about F-22

Superior stealth technology:

It is stealthier than any other plane in the world due to its radar-absorbing materials that reduce its ability to be seen on radar, allowing it to keep a low profile even when flying at high speeds.

Highly maneuverable:

Its uncompromised maneuverability allows pilots to outmaneuver their opponents by performing maneuvers quickly and precisely. Also, the F-22’s AESA Radar gives the pilot a distinct advantage with unsurpassed situational awareness and understanding of their environment.

Powerful engine:

The engine produces more thrust than any other fighter, ensuring unmatched agility in dogfights or evasions from incoming enemy fire.

Conclusion

Overall, the Sukhoi Su-27 and Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptors have unique strengths that make them well-suited for different situations.

The Su-27 is an excellent air superiority fighter with long-range, high-speed, and heavily armed capabilities. At the same time, the F-22 offers superior stealth technology and maneuverability due to its powerful engine and AESA radar.

Ultimately, the choice between these fighter jets depends on the mission type and environment in which they will operate. While there is no clear winner in capability and performance, both powerful aircraft can provide a decisive edge to their pilot’s team.

With their impressive agility and offensive capabilities, they remain some of the most feared fighter jets in the world.