The disparity between fifth-generation specialized air dominance and multi-role production fleets becomes visible when looking at sustainment and flight operating data:
| Aircraft Platform | Estimated Cost Per Flight Hour | Active Fleet Size | Primary Cost Driver |
|---|---|---|---|
| F-22A Raptor | $85,325 | ~180 operational | Stealth coating upkeep, twin F119 engine overhauls, bespoke parts |
| F-35A Lightning II | $33,000, $38,000 | 1,000+ (global) | Complex avionics software updates, single F135 engine cycle checks |
| F-15EX Eagle II | $27,000, $31,000 | Expanding deliveries | High mechanical reliability, zero exterior stealth skin maintenance |
| F-16C Fighting Falcon | $22,000, $25,000 | 800+ (USAF) | Mature global logistics chain, single engine, conventional materials |
The gap between the F-22 and the F-35 demonstrates the power of industrial scale. Lockheed Martin manufactures F-35 variants for dozens of international allies, spreading logistics costs across thousands of jets. The F-22 enjoys no export market due to federal export bans enacted via the 1998 Obey Amendment, which barred the sale of sensitive low-observable stealth technologies to foreign nations. The US Air Force carries the entire sustainment burden alone.
