The Su-57 and F-22 Raptor were created to achieve air superiority, but the concepts of the machines differ. The "American" is primarily focused on air combat and stealth, while the Su-57 was designed as a multi-role fighter.
"Perviy Tekhnicheskiy" compared two advanced combat aircraft based on five key parameters that are highlighted in discussions.
Speed
The maximum speed of the Su-57 is estimated at approximately Mach 2–2.45, while the F-22 can reach about Mach 2. Both aircraft are capable of sustained supersonic flight without constant use of afterburners, but precise modes and speeds are disclosed to a limited extent in open sources.
In terms of maximum speed, the advantage remains with the Russian fighter.
Range
The Su-57 carries a record 11,500 kg of fuel in its internal tanks. This allows it to have a combat radius of about 1500 km and a ferry range of up to 3500–4300 km without using external tanks at all.
For the ideal "stealth" silhouette, Americans compressed the F-22's fuselage, which means its internal tanks hold only 8,200 kg of fuel. Without aerial refueling, the combat radius of a "clean" Raptor is only about 760–850 km, which is critically small in the realities of modern conflicts. Here, the Su-57 is stronger.
Stealth
This is the F-22's strongest suit. The entire design of the Raptor was initially subordinated to reducing radar visibility — from the geometry of the airframe and nozzles to the internal weapon bays.
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The Su-57 also uses stealth technology elements — internal compartments, radar-absorbing materials, and a special airframe shape.
Comparing exact radar cross-section values from open data is incorrect — they are strictly classified in both countries. But based on the combination of geometric airframe solutions, the American aircraft is objectively cleaner and less visible to radars.
Maneuverability
Both fighters received thrust vectoring control. The F-22 uses vertical deflection of engine nozzles, while the Su-57 received a more advanced thrust control system and an aerodynamic design calculated for super maneuverability.
However, air combat has long ceased to be about the ability to perform a spectacular maneuver: much more important is the combination of thrust-to-weight ratio, aerodynamics, sensors, and weaponry.
In terms of pure maneuverability, both aircraft are at a very high level — we call it a draw.
Armament
The F-22 is primarily an air superiority fighter. In its stealth configuration, it carries AIM-120 and AIM-9 missiles inside the fuselage, and also has a 20mm M61A2 cannon.
The Su-57 was initially designed as a multi-role aircraft. Its internal compartments can accommodate air-to-air missiles, as well as strike weapons, including the Kh-69. Large items like the R-37M can be used from external hardpoints, but then the aircraft partially loses its stealth advantage.
In terms of versatility, the Russian aircraft looks stronger — a point in its favor.
Final score — 3:1 in favor of the Su-57.
However, this score does not mean an automatic victory for the Russian aircraft in a real air battle.
The main difference between the aircraft is in their very concept. The F-22 is a specialized stealth air superiority fighter, while the Su-57 is a more versatile platform designed for both air combat and striking ground and naval targets.