The Air Force has confirmed that a design for a patch for the F-47 System Management Office (SMO) is being refined and has not been formalized. The patch features a central phoenix or firebird motif, which raises the question of whether the sixth-generation fighter may already have a nickname. The phoenix or firebird could be a plausible nickname for the F-47, but it is unlikely to become the formal name for the jet due to the recent announcement of the Phoenix II as the official moniker for the U.S. Navy’s future E-130J aircraft.
The patch also features the Latin motto “Superamus Perstamus Letamus,” which translates to “We overcome. We Persist. We Rejoice.” This motto has been seen on other patches and insignias associated with the Air Force’s Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) initiative and the Agile Development Office. The patch also includes six red stars, which may refer to the top-secret flight test center at Groom Lake in Nevada, also known as Area 51.
The F-47 program has a complex history, with the program being initially considered for cancellation before being moved forward by the Trump administration. The program is now being led by Boeing, which is building the first of the jets, with a hoped-for first flight in 2028. The formal naming of the aircraft is likely to be the subject of significant debate, and it is possible that the F-47 may acquire an unofficial nickname, such as the phoenix or firebird, in addition to its official designation.
The Air Force has framed the F-47 as key to ensuring air superiority in future conflicts, especially against opponents like China. The sixth-generation fighter is expected to be a centerpiece of Air Force power projection for decades to come, and its development is being closely watched by military aviation enthusiasts and experts. As the program progresses, more details about the F-47 SMO patch’s symbolism may emerge, providing further insight into the Air Force’s vision for the aircraft and its role in future military operations.