Why is the F-35 slower?

The biggest reason is because it has relatively poor supersonic aerodynamics. By trying to make it a one-size-fits-all fighter, and include VSTOL capabilities for the US Marine Corps, they had to widen its fuselage to allow for the ducted fan.

What is the F-35 top speed?

1,200 mph
It is supersonic. The F-35C can reach speeds of 1.6 Mach (~1,200 mph) even with a full internal weapons load.

Why is the F-35 more powerful than the F 16?

Once you load both jets up with a decent amount of fuel and weaponry though, the F-35 becomes more agile and faster than the F-16. The F-35 also has higher instantaneous turn rates at all times because it can reach more than twice the max angle of attack as an F-16.

What would it take to fly an F-35 fighter jet?

The F-35s pilots would have to use their stealth, onboard and offboard sensors and smart tactics that play to the F-35s strengths and avoid its weakness. That means using the jet’s stealth and sensors to engage enemy fighters from beyond visual range and avoiding a visual range turning fight where the F-35 is vulnerable.

What is the difference between the F-35 and the Raptor?

Unlike a Raptor, which was designed from the outset as an air-to-air killer par excellence —the F-35 was not. The Raptor combines a very stealthy airframe with a high altitude ceiling and supersonic cruise speeds in excess of Mach 1.8. Compared to that, the F-35 can just barely touch Mach 1.6 in full afterburner.

Could the F-35 be assigned an air superiority mission?

It is highly unlikely that a U.S. Joint Force Air Component Commander (JFACC) would assign an air superiority mission to an F-35 unit if alternatives were available. But given the tiny fleet of Raptors and dwindling F-15C fleet, it is possible that the JFACC could be forced to use the F-35 as an air superiority asset.