There are numerous variants of the Flanker on offer from Sukhoi, this example is a Su-27MK.

Two solutions to a common aim - to produce a superior air combat aircraft. With its Flanker family, Sukhoi has opted for a compromise between cost and capability, and in so doing has sacrificed stealth and some aspects of performance. In contrast, the Raptor is unquestionably the most capable combat aircraft in the world, but its cost and classified systems will severely inhibit export sales and even the numbers built for the USAF.

These photographs clearly illustrate the different approach to weapons carriage by Sukhoi and Lockheed Martin. The drag and stealth penalties of carrying the stores externally - as this Su-30MKI (armed with 1,700lb FAB-250 bombs and R-77 air-to-air missiles), compared to the Sidewinders and AMRAAMs in the Raptor's internal weapon bay - are appreciable.

One of the many refinements made to the Flanker during its development are canards, seen here on an Indian Air Force SU-30MKI. These give the Flanker an advantage over the Raptor when manoeuvring at low speed/high angles of attack.

Two solutions to a common aim - to produce a superior air combat aircraft. With its Flanker family, Sukhoi has opted for a compromise between cost and capability, and in so doing has sacrificed stealth and some aspects of performance. In contrast, the Raptor is unquestionably the most capable combat aircraft in the world, but its cost and classified systems will severely inhibit export sales and even the numbers built for the USAF.

Although seen here in afterburner, the F-22 can fly supersonically in dry power. This has huge advantages in reducing the fuel consumption in supersonic flight and minimising the infra-red signature.