Why the F-22 and Su-57 Don't Need Wings to Turn

Added: 2026-05-16

[00:00:00]Most jets turn with wings. These two do something completely different. Thrust vectoring means redirecting engine exhaust to steer the aircraft independent of airflow over the wings.

[00:00:12]The F-22 uses 2D vectoring. Its rectangular nozzles pivot only up and down, giving roughly 20° of pitch authority. The Su-57 goes further with 3D vectoring. Each round nozzle swivels on a gimbal, deflecting in pitch and yaw independently. Below stall speed, wings lose authority.

[00:00:34]Vectored thrust doesn't care. It still rotates the airframe. That's how the Pugachev Cobra works. The jet pitches past 90°, bleeds energy, then drops the nose back down. The trade-off: 2D nozzles are stealthier and cooler running.

[00:00:53]3D nozzles give more agility, but a bigger radar and heat signature.

[00:00:58]Different philosophies, same goal: control when physics says you shouldn't have any. Follow War Tech Engineering for more breakdowns like this.