The key difference between an experimental fighter jet and a prototype jet lies in their purpose and stage of development:
1. Experimental Fighter Jet
• Designed primarily for research and development.
• Used to test new technologies, materials, aerodynamics, or propulsion systems.
• May not be intended for mass production or operational service.
• Often lacks full combat capabilities.
• Example: X-29 (forward-swept wing experimental aircraft).
2. Prototype Fighter Jet
• A near-final version of a fighter jet developed before full-scale production.
• Used for testing and refinement before official service approval.
• Typically built to evaluate performance, weapons integration, and flight characteristics.
• Example: YF-22 (prototype of the F-22 Raptor).
Summary:
• Experimental jets focus on testing new concepts, and they may never enter production.
• Prototype jets are pre-production models meant to refine a fighter jet before mass production.
