Consistently hailed as the world’s best fighter jet, the F-22 Raptor has it all. The F-22 Raptor top speed is impressive, but there’s more to this superior aircraft than reaching supersonic speeds without using an afterburner. See what makes this fighter jet the top of its class and how it maintains air superiority thanks to the innovators at Lockheed Martin. Related read:Discover the E-4B Nightwatch: The USAF's "Doomsday Plane"

How Fast Is an F-22 Raptor?

The F-22 Raptor top speed clocks in at 1,500 mph, and it is the first aircraft to reach such speeds without using an afterburner. An F-22 Raptor is capable of flying 65,000 feet in the air. At this height, it is capable of reaching higher speeds and accelerating to these speeds faster than at sea level. Part of the F-22 Raptor’s advantage comes from its aerodynamic design and internal engineering advancements. But let’s not kid ourselves; to achieve such speeds, especially for an object that weighs 43,430 lbs, you’re going to need a lot of fuel. By burning so much fuel, the fighter jet is able to reach ridiculous speeds, and it relies on aerial refueling to keep it going strong for longer periods of time. The F-22 Raptor is fast but maintains a short-range trade-off, making it capable of only flying 1,864 miles before needing to refuel due to its enormous fuel intake and speeds.

F-22 Raptor vs. F-35 Lightning II

the top 10 most advanced fighter jets in the world, chances are, you are going to find the F-22 Raptor and the F-35 Lightning II on that list. Both of these fighter jets are superb aerial threats and come equipped with state-of-the-art technology, capabilities, and all of the innovative tech you would come to expect from Lockheed Martin. Here’s a look at some of the main features that set them apart:

• The F-35 Lightning II is equipped with the latest technology on the market and is proving to be the top option for air superiority.
• The F-22 Raptor can reach higher speeds than the F-35’s 1,200-mph mark.
• Although the technology is stunning, it comes at a price tag. Neither is cheap, but the F-35 may cost much more to manufacture and maintain in the long run. The F-22 cost is initially $125 million per aircraft, whereas, depending on the model, the F-35 can reach $135.8 million per aircraft.
• The F-22 Raptor’s features are reliable and tested, while the F-35 has had some problems with its heavy maintenance schedules and defects.
• Updates are improving the performance of the F-35, but the F-22 Raptor continues its reputation, as it has been battle-tested.
• The F-22 also provides more than just speed. It is hailed for its ability to engage in both long and short-range combat as well as its prowess in stealth.

Both are worthy adversaries in the skies and help keep America safe. The F-22 Raptor is only sold to the United States, whereas the F-35 Lightning II has only a select number of countries allowed to purchase the aircraft due to their advanced technology.

Have a Need for Speed? Step Into the Cockpit of an F-22 Raptor

If you haven't already, you’re going to want to make sure you tune in to the latest chapter of Top Gun and get there early. Before showings of Top Gun: Maverick, the U.S. Air Force has been featuring the F-22 Raptor in its recruiting video shown right on the big screen. It’s a great way to see the incredible F-22 Raptor top speed and the maneuvers that make this fighter jet so feared. More like this:4 Korean War Helicopters That Helped Preserve Democracy