is the F35 Lightning a good complement to the raptor..?

Answer 1

Yes, the F-35 is a good compliment. While the F-22 is an Air Superiority Fighter, the F-35 is the strike aircraft. Sure, it will have air to air capabilty, but it's main purpose will be attack missions against enemy ground targets. They are both stealthy, they are both on the cutting-edge of aircraft teachnology, and both are rediculously expensive and over-prioritized.

Think about it like this:

The F-22 is to replace the F-15C... the USAF's current Air Superiority Fighter. The F-35 will replace mutiple airframes including the F-15E (Strike Eagle), F-16, A-10 (I don't see how it can replace that gun), the Marine's AV-8B and the F/A-18. While the F-22 guards the skies, the F-35 will be using that airspace to strike at enemy installations and target. The only thing you have to wonder, though, is if the F-35 can really replace all those other strike aircraft?

Answer 2

Not really. I'm familiar with the raptor, it is an air superiority fighter / interceptor. It rules the skies. The F35 appears to be more of a support fighter, powerful and capable, but mostly running air support for ground forces.

Answer 3

The F-35 is much newer than the F-22. It's still in the basic field testing on how well it does. It's maiden flight was in mid December of last year.

The U.S. military plans on drawing out the field tests according to this artical.
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/aircraft/f-35-test.htm