The Boeing F-47 is the U.S. Air Force’s designated sixth-generation fighter under the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD)
The Boeing F-47 is the U.S. Air Force’s designated sixth-generation fighter under the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program—a platform engineered to replace the F-22 Raptor and redefine air superiority for the coming decades. Here's a breakdown of its projected capabilities based on official briefings and renderings:
Core Capabilities of the F-47
1. Stealth & Survivability
• Advanced low-observable design with tailless geometry and blended surfaces
• Integrated canard foreplans (a surprise feature) for enhanced maneuverability without compromising stealth
• Radar-absorbing materials and minimized infrared signature
2. Speed & Range
• Top speed exceeding Mach 2
• Combat radius of 1,000+ nautical miles, significantly outpacing the F-22
• Adaptive propulsion system under the Next Generation Adaptive Propulsion (NGAP) initiative
3. Sensor Fusion & Avionics
• Full-spectrum sensor integration for real-time battlefield awareness
• AI-assisted targeting, threat prioritization, and electronic warfare capabilities
• Secure, high-bandwidth data links for joint operations and drone coordination
4. Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) Integration
• Designed to operate alongside autonomous “loyal wingman” drones
• CCAs will carry missiles, perform electronic attacks, and extend sensing capabilities
5. Modularity & Mission Flexibility
• Configurable payload bays for air-to-air, air-to-ground, and electronic warfare missions
• Potential for two variants:
• Pacific Theater: larger, long-range version
• European Theater: smaller, agile variant
6. Timeline & Production Goals
• Target operational window: 2025–2029
• Initial procurement goal: 185+ airframes