Introduction to the F-47 Sixth-Generation Stealth Fighter
The TWZ Newsletter provides weekly insights and analysis on the latest developments in military technology, strategy, and foreign policy. A recent update from Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin has revealed that Boeing has started production of the first F-47 sixth-generation stealth fighter for the U.S. Air Force, with the goal of making its first flight in 2028.
Background on the F-47 Program
In March, President Donald Trump personally announced that Boeing had been selected as the winner of the competition for the crewed fighter component of the Air Force’s broader Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) initiative. The NGAD effort includes the development of new Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) drones, advanced jet engines, weapons, electronic warfare suites, sensors, networking ecosystems, battle management capabilities, and more.
Design and Capabilities of the F-47
Details about the F-47 program and design of the aircraft itself remain highly classified. However, the Air Force has said that the F-47 is expected to have a combat radius in excess of 1,000 nautical miles and be able to reach speeds above Mach 2. The new sixth-generation jets will offer a roughly 25% boost in operational reach over existing U.S. fighters. The F-47 will also feature next-generation all-aspect ‘broadband’ low-observability (stealthiness), including a significantly reduced infrared signature on top of a low radar cross-section.
Production and Acquisition Plans
The Air Force has said it plans to acquire at least 185 F-47s, which would be in line with the original vision of the aircraft as a successor to the F-22 Raptor. However, questions have been raised about whether that figure might change going forward, and there has been talk about the potential for multiple versions to be built in incremental developmental cycles. The F-47’s expected unit cost is also unclear, but past projections have put it in the realm of three times the average price of an F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, or upwards of $300 million.
Conclusion
The F-47 is a key part of the Air Force’s future force structure, especially with an eye toward a potential high-end fight against China in the Pacific. With the first F-47 being built ahead of an expected first flight in 2028, the Air Force is moving steadily closer to this next generation of tactical airpower. As Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin emphasized, the F-47 is just one part of broader modernization efforts to ensure the Air Force maintains its edge against any potential opponent.
Future of the F-47 and NGAD Initiative
The NGAD initiative is a comprehensive effort to develop new technologies and capabilities to ensure the Air Force’s dominance in the future. The F-47 is a critical component of this initiative, and its development is closely tied to the development of other NGAD systems, including the CCA drones and advanced jet engines. As the Air Force continues to move forward with the F-47 program, it will be important to consider the broader implications of this new technology and how it will be integrated into the Air Force’s overall strategy.
Key Takeaways
- The F-47 is a sixth-generation stealth fighter being developed by Boeing for the U.S. Air Force.
- The aircraft is expected to have a combat radius in excess of 1,000 nautical miles and be able to reach speeds above Mach 2.
- The F-47 will feature next-generation all-aspect ‘broadband’ low-observability (stealthiness) and a significantly reduced infrared signature.
- The Air Force plans to acquire at least 185 F-47s, with an expected unit cost of upwards of $300 million.
- The F-47 is a key part of the Air Force’s future force structure and the NGAD initiative.