GITNUX REPORT 2024

Costliest Fighter Jets: F-22 Raptor vs. F-35 Lightning II

Discover the worlds priciest fighter jets, from the $150M F-22 Raptor to $1.7 trillion F-35 Lightning.

Author: Jannik Lindner

First published: 7/17/2024

Statistic 1

The F-22 Raptor can carry up to six AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles internally

Statistic 2

The F-35 Lightning II can carry up to 18,000 pounds of weapons

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The Eurofighter Typhoon can carry up to 7.5 tons of external stores

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The Dassault Rafale can carry up to 9.5 tons of weapons

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The F-22 Raptor is equipped with a 20mm M61A2 Vulcan cannon

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The F-22 Raptor costs approximately $150 million per unit

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The F-35 Lightning II program has a total cost of over $1.7 trillion

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The F-35A variant costs around $78 million per unit as of 2020

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The Eurofighter Typhoon costs approximately €90 million per unit

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The Dassault Rafale costs around €100 million per unit

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The F-35 Lightning II helmet costs approximately $400,000

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The F-22 Raptor's annual operating cost is approximately $33.5 million per aircraft

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The F-35 Lightning II program employs over 220,000 people

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The Eurofighter Typhoon program involves over 400 companies across Europe

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The Dassault Rafale program supports over 7,000 jobs in France

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The F-22 Raptor program cost approximately $67 billion in total

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The F-35 Lightning II program is expected to generate over $1 trillion in economic impact over its lifetime

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The Dassault Rafale can operate from aircraft carriers (M variant)

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The F-35 Lightning II can vertically land and take off (B variant)

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The Dassault Rafale can operate in temperatures ranging from -51°C to +50°C

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The Dassault Rafale can be refueled in flight to extend its range

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The F-22 Raptor entered service with the U.S. Air Force in 2005

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The F-35 Lightning II achieved initial operational capability in 2015

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The Eurofighter Typhoon first entered operational service in 2003

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The Dassault Rafale became operational with the French Air Force in 2004

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The F-22 Raptor production was limited to 187 operational aircraft

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The Eurofighter Typhoon is in service with 9 air forces globally

Statistic 28

The Dassault Rafale has been exported to 6 countries as of 2021

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The F-35 Lightning II is expected to be in service until 2070

Statistic 30

The F-22 Raptor has a top speed of Mach 2.25

Statistic 31

The F-35 Lightning II has a combat radius of over 670 nautical miles

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The Eurofighter Typhoon can reach altitudes of up to 65,000 feet

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The Dassault Rafale has a maximum takeoff weight of 24.5 tons

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The F-22 Raptor can supercruise at Mach 1.82 without afterburners

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The Eurofighter Typhoon's EJ200 engines each produce 20,000 pounds of thrust

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The Eurofighter Typhoon has a service ceiling of 65,000 feet

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The Dassault Rafale can reach Mach 1.8 at high altitude

Statistic 38

The F-22 Raptor can accelerate from Mach 1.0 to Mach 1.5 in less than 30 seconds

Statistic 39

The Eurofighter Typhoon can pull up to 9G in air combat maneuvering

Statistic 40

The F-22 Raptor's thrust-to-weight ratio is greater than 1:1

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The F-35 Lightning II can cruise at speeds up to Mach 1.6

Statistic 42

The Eurofighter Typhoon has a combat radius of over 1,000 nautical miles

Statistic 43

The F-35 Lightning II is planned to have over 3,000 units produced

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The Eurofighter Typhoon has over 550 units built as of 2021

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The Dassault Rafale has over 200 units produced as of 2021

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The F-22 Raptor's production line was shut down in 2011

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The F-35 Lightning II is produced in three variants: A, B, and C

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The F-35 Lightning II program involves 9 partner countries

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The F-22 Raptor program was developed over a period of 19 years

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The F-22 Raptor has a length of 62 feet 1 inch

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The F-35A Lightning II has a wingspan of 35 feet

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The Eurofighter Typhoon has a maximum takeoff weight of 23,500 kg

Statistic 53

The Dassault Rafale has a ferry range of 3,700 km

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The F-22 Raptor has an internal fuel capacity of 18,000 pounds

Statistic 55

The F-35 Lightning II features advanced stealth technology

Statistic 56

The F-22 Raptor uses radar-absorbing materials in its construction

Statistic 57

The Eurofighter Typhoon has a sophisticated electronic warfare suite

Statistic 58

The Dassault Rafale features an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar

Statistic 59

The F-35 Lightning II has a distributed aperture system for 360-degree situational awareness

Statistic 60

The F-35 Lightning II has over 8 million lines of code in its software

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The Eurofighter Typhoon uses a quadruplex digital fly-by-wire control system

Statistic 62

The Dassault Rafale features a glass cockpit with wide-angle holographic head-up display

Statistic 63

The F-22 Raptor has an integrated avionics system that fuses sensor data

Statistic 64

The F-22 Raptor has a radar cross-section of an insect

Statistic 65

The F-35 Lightning II can detect and track multiple targets from over 800 miles away

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Summary

  • The F-22 Raptor costs approximately $150 million per unit
  • The F-35 Lightning II program has a total cost of over $1.7 trillion
  • The F-35A variant costs around $78 million per unit as of 2020
  • The Eurofighter Typhoon costs approximately €90 million per unit
  • The Dassault Rafale costs around €100 million per unit
  • The F-22 Raptor has a top speed of Mach 2.25
  • The F-35 Lightning II has a combat radius of over 670 nautical miles
  • The Eurofighter Typhoon can reach altitudes of up to 65,000 feet
  • The Dassault Rafale has a maximum takeoff weight of 24.5 tons
  • The F-22 Raptor can supercruise at Mach 1.82 without afterburners
  • The F-35 Lightning II features advanced stealth technology
  • The F-22 Raptor uses radar-absorbing materials in its construction
  • The Eurofighter Typhoon has a sophisticated electronic warfare suite
  • The Dassault Rafale features an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar
  • The F-35 Lightning II has a distributed aperture system for 360-degree situational awareness

Buckle up, folks, because were about to dive into the stratosphere of aerospace with a blog post on the most expensive fighter jets in the world! From the jaw-dropping $1.7 trillion F-35 Lightning II program to the sleek and stealthy F-22 Raptor clocking in at $150 million per unit, these sky titans not only come with a hefty price tag but also a payload of mind-blowing stats. With top speeds hitting Mach 2.25, combat radii spanning the seas, and capabilities that push the boundaries of air combat, these elite aircraft are not just flying machines – theyre marvels of modern engineering and military prowess. So, fasten your seatbelts and get ready to soar to new heights of aviation extravagance!

Armament

  • The F-22 Raptor can carry up to six AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles internally
  • The F-35 Lightning II can carry up to 18,000 pounds of weapons
  • The Eurofighter Typhoon can carry up to 7.5 tons of external stores
  • The Dassault Rafale can carry up to 9.5 tons of weapons
  • The F-22 Raptor is equipped with a 20mm M61A2 Vulcan cannon

Interpretation

In the world of fighter jets, it's not just about having the sleek design and fancy gadgets. It's also about what you can carry. The F-22 Raptor may pack a mean punch with its 20mm cannon, but it's the F-35 Lightning II that could give a weightlifter a run for their money with its 18,000-pound weapon load capacity. Meanwhile, the Eurofighter Typhoon and Dassault Rafale are not to be underestimated, showcasing their ability to haul tons of external stores. One thing's for sure, in the high-stakes game of aerial combat, it's not just about looking good—it's about being able to bring the firepower when it counts.

Cost

  • The F-22 Raptor costs approximately $150 million per unit
  • The F-35 Lightning II program has a total cost of over $1.7 trillion
  • The F-35A variant costs around $78 million per unit as of 2020
  • The Eurofighter Typhoon costs approximately €90 million per unit
  • The Dassault Rafale costs around €100 million per unit
  • The F-35 Lightning II helmet costs approximately $400,000
  • The F-22 Raptor's annual operating cost is approximately $33.5 million per aircraft

Interpretation

In the high-stakes world of military aviation, the price tags attached to these cutting-edge fighter jets may seem like they're straight out of a sci-fi blockbuster. With the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II leading the charge in both cost and controversy, the numbers are enough to make even the most seasoned budget analyst do a double-take. From the eye-watering $1.7 trillion price tag of the F-35 program to the hefty $400,000 price of the Lightning II's helmet, it's clear that staying at the top of the aerial arms race doesn't come cheap. But as these jets soar through the skies with their multi-million dollar price tags, one thing is certain: when it comes to national defense, sometimes you have to pay the price to protect the skies.

Economic Impact

  • The F-35 Lightning II program employs over 220,000 people
  • The Eurofighter Typhoon program involves over 400 companies across Europe
  • The Dassault Rafale program supports over 7,000 jobs in France
  • The F-22 Raptor program cost approximately $67 billion in total
  • The F-35 Lightning II program is expected to generate over $1 trillion in economic impact over its lifetime

Interpretation

In the high-stakes world of fighter jets, the numbers tell a tale of both formidable firepower and economic impact that cannot be ignored. With each program boasting impressive statistics - from the staggering number of people employed to the vast network of companies involved - it is clear that these aircraft are not just tools of war, but engines of prosperity. From the eye-watering costs of development to the promise of trillion-dollar economic impacts, the sky-high investments in these jets are testament to the belief that in the realm of modern warfare, he who flies highest also profits richest. Welcome to the elite club where the jets are sleek, the technology cutting-edge, and the price tags out of this world.

Operational Capability

  • The Dassault Rafale can operate from aircraft carriers (M variant)
  • The F-35 Lightning II can vertically land and take off (B variant)
  • The Dassault Rafale can operate in temperatures ranging from -51°C to +50°C
  • The Dassault Rafale can be refueled in flight to extend its range

Interpretation

In the high-stakes world of fighter jets, versatility is key, and the Dassault Rafale certainly doesn't disappoint. From braving extreme temperatures that would make even the hardiest of pilots shiver, to smoothly navigating mid-air refueling to ensure it's always ready for action, this aircraft is a true jack-of-all-trades. So while the F-35 Lightning II may impress with its vertical take-off capabilities, the Rafale proves that sometimes it's not about how you get there, but what you can do when you arrive. Whether it's soaring from aircraft carriers or conquering desert heatwaves, the Rafale remains a top contender in the relentless race for aerial dominance.

Operational History

  • The F-22 Raptor entered service with the U.S. Air Force in 2005
  • The F-35 Lightning II achieved initial operational capability in 2015
  • The Eurofighter Typhoon first entered operational service in 2003
  • The Dassault Rafale became operational with the French Air Force in 2004
  • The F-22 Raptor production was limited to 187 operational aircraft
  • The Eurofighter Typhoon is in service with 9 air forces globally
  • The Dassault Rafale has been exported to 6 countries as of 2021
  • The F-35 Lightning II is expected to be in service until 2070

Interpretation

In the sky-high world of fighter jets, it's not just about speed and agility but also about the price tag. The F-22 Raptor may have swooped onto the scene first in 2005, but its limited production of a mere 187 operational aircraft makes it the runway jewel of exclusivity. Meanwhile, the F-35 Lightning II is set to rule the skies until 2070, ensuring its longevity as the diva of the air forces. Eurofighter Typhoon, with its multinational appeal, proves that style truly knows no borders, while the Dassault Rafale's jet-setting ways have made it a darling of six countries. In this high-flying fashion show, each fighter jet struts its stuff, showcasing power, precision, and a price tag that's sure to make your wallet tremble.

Performance

  • The F-22 Raptor has a top speed of Mach 2.25
  • The F-35 Lightning II has a combat radius of over 670 nautical miles
  • The Eurofighter Typhoon can reach altitudes of up to 65,000 feet
  • The Dassault Rafale has a maximum takeoff weight of 24.5 tons
  • The F-22 Raptor can supercruise at Mach 1.82 without afterburners
  • The Eurofighter Typhoon's EJ200 engines each produce 20,000 pounds of thrust
  • The Eurofighter Typhoon has a service ceiling of 65,000 feet
  • The Dassault Rafale can reach Mach 1.8 at high altitude
  • The F-22 Raptor can accelerate from Mach 1.0 to Mach 1.5 in less than 30 seconds
  • The Eurofighter Typhoon can pull up to 9G in air combat maneuvering
  • The F-22 Raptor's thrust-to-weight ratio is greater than 1:1
  • The F-35 Lightning II can cruise at speeds up to Mach 1.6
  • The Eurofighter Typhoon has a combat radius of over 1,000 nautical miles

Interpretation

In the high-stakes world of fighter jets, where speed, altitude, and maneuverability reign supreme, the F-22 Raptor, F-35 Lightning II, Eurofighter Typhoon, and Dassault Rafale are in a league of their own. These aerial beasts boast mind-boggling stats that read like a pilot's dream journal. From the jaw-dropping Mach speeds and heart-stopping G-forces to the impressive combat radii and ceiling heights that touch the heavens, these warbirds are not just machines; they are technological marvels that push the boundaries of what humans can achieve. So next time you look up and see one of these super jets streaking across the sky, remember that you're witnessing a combination of pure power, precision engineering, and a touch of aviation magic – at an eye-watering cost, of course.

Production

  • The F-35 Lightning II is planned to have over 3,000 units produced
  • The Eurofighter Typhoon has over 550 units built as of 2021
  • The Dassault Rafale has over 200 units produced as of 2021
  • The F-22 Raptor's production line was shut down in 2011
  • The F-35 Lightning II is produced in three variants: A, B, and C
  • The F-35 Lightning II program involves 9 partner countries
  • The F-22 Raptor program was developed over a period of 19 years

Interpretation

In the high-stakes world of fighter jets, numbers truly do speak louder than words. With over 3,000 units planned for production, the F-35 Lightning II seems to be on a mission to dominate the skies. Meanwhile, the Eurofighter Typhoon and Dassault Rafale hold their own with respectable numbers, proving that quality can indeed rival quantity. And let's not forget the once mighty F-22 Raptor, whose production line now lies dormant, serving as a reminder that even the mightiest can fall. As the F-35 program spans across multiple countries and variants, it's clear that in the race for air superiority, versatility and collaboration may be the true keys to victory.

Specifications

  • The F-22 Raptor has a length of 62 feet 1 inch
  • The F-35A Lightning II has a wingspan of 35 feet
  • The Eurofighter Typhoon has a maximum takeoff weight of 23,500 kg
  • The Dassault Rafale has a ferry range of 3,700 km
  • The F-22 Raptor has an internal fuel capacity of 18,000 pounds

Interpretation

In the high-stakes world of fighter jets, it's not just about sleek designs and impressive numbers; it's about projecting power and precision. From the F-22 Raptor's impressive fuel capacity that could make any gas station jealous, to the Eurofighter Typhoon's ability to lift off like a heavyweight champ, these aerial behemoths leave no room for error. The F-35A Lightning II may have a modest wingspan, but don't let its size fool you, it's all about the finesse. And let's not forget the Dassault Rafale, with a ferry range that could take you halfway around the world before breakfast. In this elite league of fighter jets, size does matter, but so does skill, resilience, and the ability to dominate the skies like a boss.

Technology

  • The F-35 Lightning II features advanced stealth technology
  • The F-22 Raptor uses radar-absorbing materials in its construction
  • The Eurofighter Typhoon has a sophisticated electronic warfare suite
  • The Dassault Rafale features an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar
  • The F-35 Lightning II has a distributed aperture system for 360-degree situational awareness
  • The F-35 Lightning II has over 8 million lines of code in its software
  • The Eurofighter Typhoon uses a quadruplex digital fly-by-wire control system
  • The Dassault Rafale features a glass cockpit with wide-angle holographic head-up display
  • The F-22 Raptor has an integrated avionics system that fuses sensor data
  • The F-22 Raptor has a radar cross-section of an insect
  • The F-35 Lightning II can detect and track multiple targets from over 800 miles away

Interpretation

In the high-stakes world of fighter jets, it's not just about speed and firepower anymore—it's all about stealth, electronic warfare, and more lines of code than your average tech startup. With cutting-edge features like radar-absorbing materials, advanced stealth technology, and holographic displays, these jets are not just the apple of any pilot's eye, but a futuristic marvel that could make Tony Stark himself jealous. So, next time you look up at the sky and see one of these beasts soaring overhead, remember that it's not just a plane—it's a technological masterpiece that's lightyears ahead of the competition.

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