[custom_adv] Fighter aircraft are a vital component of any air force and examples such as the F-35 Lightning and F-22 Raptor demonstrate their vast superiority. Airforce-technology analyses the top ten best fighter aircraft in the world, based on aircraft specifications, technology, armament fit and performance. [custom_adv] F-35 Lightning II is the only international fifth-generation multirole fighter plane in the world. The extreme agility and stealth features, along with an integrated sensor package and modern weaponry, provide the F-35 with a tactical edge over all other fighter aircraft. [custom_adv] The single-seat fighter is armed with a range of weapon systems such as Sidewinder and Storm Shadow, as well as Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs). Lockheed Martin is the prime contractor of the F-35 while its major partners include Northrop Grumman, BAE Systems and Pratt & Whitney. [custom_adv] The F-22 Raptor developed by Lockheed Martin and Boeing is a single-seat, twin-engine fifth-generation extremely advanced tactical fighter. The stealth, integrated avionics and superior performance make the F-22 a super-manoeuvrable fighter. [custom_adv] The Raptor made its first flight in September 1997. The first production F-22 was delivered to Nellis Air Force Base in January 2003. The aircraft formally entered USAF’s service in December 2005. [custom_adv] The F-22 Raptor employs sophisticated air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles. The emerging technologies integrated aboard the F-22 make it a superior platform for a wide array of missions, including surveillance, reconnaissance, attack, electronic warfare and signals intelligence. [custom_adv] The aircraft has eight hardpoints and an internal weapons bay that can hold a mix of beyond-visual-range air-to-air and short-range missiles, including long-range PL-12C/D and PL-21 air-to-air missiles. It is also armed with air-to-surface missiles, laser-guided bombs and anti-radiation missiles. [custom_adv] The Su-57 is a fifth-generation, single-seat, twin-engine, multi-role fighter aircraft manufactured by Sukhoi, a subsidiary of United Aircraft Corporation. It was formerly known as PAK FA and T-50.
