Simply put, the F-35 Lightning II is an all-round machine built with price in mind rather than utmost quality, (aka the Raptor). From what I understand, the Raptor program was halted after 160 something models because the Obama administration and select others didn't see the price of $250+ million dollars per model, (taking into account the average at price from today compared to development), as a valuable long-term asset. The F-35 Lightning II is supposed to be around 65-120 million each.
Also, many parts made for the F-22 are only compatible with that aircraft. The F-35 Lightning II had that error in mind, and a myriad of parts are exchangeable with other aircraft, (which is an extremely valuable asset in dire times).
In my opinion, both the F-22 and F-35 are amazing examples of the leaps and bounds in aviation over the past 60 years. Both airplanes excel in different categories, but they are still fantastic. And they look great too, (unlike Boeing's attempt in the JSF program, that thing looked like a beluga mated with a fox 0.o)
Last edited by Dubes; 11-19-2009 at 10:27 AM.