Summary The F/A-18 vs. F-22 comparison involves both interservice and generational rivalries. The Super Hornet has a more extensive combat history compared to the F-22.
The F-22 may win in the short term, but the F/A-18 wins in the long run due to availability and logistics. One good F/A-18 showdown article deserves another, especially when the on-paper showdown includes the element of interservice rivalry. Likewise, one good 4th Generation vs 5th Generation fighter showdown piece deserves another.
F-15EX vs F/A-18 doesn't entail just another interservice (USAF vs USN) rivalry. It's also an intra-manufacturer rivalry, i.e.
Boeing vs Boeing. Having recently compared (1) the US Navy's F/A-18E/F Super Hornet to the US Air Force F-15EX Eagle II (the interservice rivalry bit), and (2) the 5th Generation F-22 Raptor to the 4th Generation Eagle II (the generational rivalry bit), Simple Flying now presents a head-to-head comparison that incorporates both the interservice rivalry and generational rivalry themes. So then, how does the USN's 4th Generation (and Top Gun: Maverick mechanical movie star) F/A-18E/F stack up against the USAF's 5th Generation F-22? The Super Hornet became a celebrity thanks to the film 'Top Gun: Maverick.
' This story also includes a bit of inter-corporate (as in defense contractor) rivalry, as the Super Hornet is a Boeing product whilst the F-22 is made by Lockheed Martin (as part of their legendary Skunk Works program ). Tale of the Tape: F-A/18 vs. F-22 spe.