The USAF did, in no way chose the F-22 over the F-35. They are both different planes and fill different roles. The F-22 is specifically an Air Superiority fighter, however since the budget numbers came out and they had to lower the original order numbers and then changed the F-22 to the F/A-22 to fill both the roles of Fighter and Attack. Since the F-35 is and was originally designed to be a multi role aircraft it was never in competition with the F/A-22.

The x-35 is just an experimental fighter for the new upcoming joint-strike fighter, the f-35. The f-35 is designedto take off and land to cv using Vertical Short Take Off and Landing V/STOVL as well as land based landing sites. Although the f-35 is newer than the f-22, its no match for the f-22's air superiority. The f-35 is meant for all purposes such as aerial combat, bombing etc. (multi-role). Its a supersonic fighter, but overall, the f-22 beats the f-35 by a long shot by means of stealth, bombing, and aerial attack given that the f-22 has superb thrust vectoring abilities, not to mention that it is alot faster, with super cruise and top speeds in the upper mach 2 range.

My words exactly z_man, nice to see some one else with actual facts behind their statements and not patriotic bias.

You can't really compare the Raptor and the JSF, they are meant to do different things and to replace different aircraft. The Raptor will replace the F-15 and the JSF will replace the F-16 and A-10. As for replacing the A-10 that is one of the dumbest things anyone has ever thought of considering you can't shoot it down, but it will take the air force a while to actually replace every thing.

Back on topic though, I think the 22 is better than the JSF because: #1The 22 actually has a cannon(only the Marine version of the JSF will have one) #2larger weapons capacity #3The JSF is downright ugly #4what do we need to spend more money on it for if it is just going to get replaced by the time they have actually fulfilled the whole order

You can't really compare the Raptor and the JSF, they are meant to do different things and to replace different aircraft. The Raptor will replace the F-15 and the JSF will replace the F-16 and A-10. As for replacing the A-10 that is one of the dumbest things anyone has ever thought of considering you can't shoot it down, but it will take the air force a while to actually replace every thing.

Back on topic though, I think the 22 is better than the JSF because: #1The 22 actually has a cannon(only the Marine version of the JSF will have one) #2larger weapons capacity #3The JSF is downright ugly #4what do we need to spend more money on it for if it is just going to get replaced by the time they have actually fulfilled the whole order

Here is a little quiz for everyone. Can anyone tell me which aircraft the F/A-22 will be replacing?

Are you serious? Its replacing the F-15C Eagle, at least its replacing all, but 178 Eagles for the time being.

Just so it is clear for everyone, the F-22, which is no longer the F/A-22 just the F-22, is replacing the F-15 and only the F-15. The JSF is repacling the F-16 and the A-10.

It is called called the F/A-22 because of the added capability to attack ground targets and air targets. Here I will spoil the quiz...it is going to replace the F-117 @ Holloman AFB in hence the A in F/A. It will be able to attack more targets with the same capability and defend itself if the need arrises.

No, the air force changed it back, they had wanted to emphasize its ground attack capability. As for replacing the 117, as far as I know the JSF will cover that too. Not that it makes much of a difference the 117 is a waste of money.

Also currently the air force will not be receiving the amount of aircraft they require to be totally combat ready. So a much smaller force of F-22s and JSF's will actually be purchased.

I didn't want to pull this card but are you Active duty USAF, I am telling you as an active duty aircraft maintainer that it is the F/A-22 and it is replacing the F-117. If you are someone in the industry that knows more than I do about this then let me know but this is the latest and greatest news in the USAF.