F-22 Raptor vs. Eurofighter Typhoon

How does the F-22 Raptor compare to the Eurofighter Typhoon? 

Both planes are versatile enough to engage in ground attacks and the struggle for air superiority, so they perform similar functions.

The Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor is widely regarded as one of the most cutting-edge military jet fighters in existence. The F-35 Lightning has joined the Raptor at the head of the United States Air Force's fighter fleet, which has been in service since September 1997. The Raptor joined the ranks of other extremely cutting-edge fighter planes from countries like Russia, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. The last country also possesses cutting-edge aircraft in its arsenal.

The Eurofighter Typhoon, which was developed in cooperation with other European nations, is the mainstay of the British Royal Air Force and is also used by a number of other air forces around the world, including those of Germany, Italy, Austria, and Spain. However, the Raptor was unable to be shipped abroad due to technological limitations and cost increases. Both of these planes are powerful and comparable in theory, but how do the two jets actually stack up against one another in practice? We’ll dive in and see how these two machines compare by digging into the details.

Details About the Typhoon

Eurofighter Typhoon

The United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain began developing the Typhoon in 1983 with the intention of creating a multirole and air superiority fighter. Rather than continue with the current program, France has decided to pursue the Dassault Rafale. On August 6th, 1986, the first Eurofighter prototype flew with the British Aerospace EAP; the final Typhoon form differed slightly from the EAP. The delta wings and pair of front canards on the Typhoon are reminiscent of those on the Rafale. The aircraft's remarkable maneuverability is the result of its sophisticated fly-by-wire control system and its relaxed stability design.
In August of 2003, the Typhoon was officially put into service. The aircraft's top speed is Mach 2.0, or 1,320 mph, thanks to its two afterburning turbofan engines manufactured by Eurojet (the EH200). The Typhoon can be equipped with a wide variety of weapons. The Typhoon has a Mauser BK-27 mm cannon, which was originally designed for the Panavia Tornado, and a variety of other weapons, including GBU-10 Paveway II GPS bombs and AIM-9 Sidewinder heat-seeking missiles. The Typhoon has 13 weapon hardpoints in total.

Details About the F-22 Raptor

F-22 Raptor

However, the Raptor's upbringing was challenging. The first test flight was in 1997, and the plane officially entered service in 2005. It has since been used exclusively by the United States Air Force.

High production costs and a decline in demand for air-to-air missions led to a reduction in the number of planes ordered from 750 to 187. The Raptor's stealthy design gives its pilots an edge in the air when deployed properly. It can also aid in electronic warfare and attacks on the ground. The Raptor is more conventional than the Typhoon in that its main wing is shaped like a clipped diamond, similar to a delta wing, and it lacks front canards.

A top speed of Mach 2 is within reach for the Raptor. The aircraft's top speed of Mach 2.25, or 1,500 mph, is made possible by its two Pratt & Whitney F119-PW-100 augmented turbofans, making it faster than the Typhoon. The Raptor can be outfitted with a wide variety of weapons, including those stored in its internal weapons bays. The AIM-9 Sidewinder and AIM-120 AMRAAM are just two of the weapons that can be carried by the aircraft's three of these. The M61A2 Vulcan 20 mm rotary cannon is the raptor's secondary armament, and a bomb rack for GPS JDAMs and similar weapons can be installed in the main weapons bay.

For a visual, check out our analysis video:

Contrasting the Typhoon and the Raptor

Both planes are versatile enough to engage in ground attack missions and the struggle for air superiority, so they perform similar functions. The Raptor may be slightly more nimble than its European counterpart, but both are certainly agile machines. Both were launched in the 1990s and have experienced multiple delays over the years. However, they are equally formidable in their respective air forces.

Which Plane Is the Best, and Why?

It's tough to say, but the Raptor might have the upper hand this time. The service ceiling is the same at 65,000 feet, the range is 1,800 miles, and it can travel faster than the Typhoon. In addition to being able to outmaneuver the Typhoon with its lightning-fast reflexes and lightning-quick agility, the fact that it can do so invisibly gives it yet another leg up. It's not that the Eurofighter is incapable; far from it. This machine has undergone extensive optimization to maximize its usefulness. Yet it's possible that the United States would have triumphed over Europe.