Although most technical specifications are and will remain classified, it is clear that the F-47 is designed to ensure air superiority over China’s advanced fighters.
Donald Trump announced the U.S. Air Force’s entry into the era of 6th-generation fighters, awarding Boeing the “golden” $20 billion contract for the development of the NGAD (Next Generation Air Dominance) program, codenamed F-47.
This development may represent the most significant milestone for the U.S. Air Force in two decades—a manned fighter promising to redefine air superiority. While the program is not expected to be completed before the mid-2030s, current estimates suggest that hundreds of billions of dollars will be required for the aircraft’s development, with a per-unit cost of approximately $300 million.
6th-Generation Fighters
As revealed, the NGAD program encompasses more than just a manned fighter jet. It includes a suite of supporting systems such as collaborative drones (Collaborative Aircraft), new engines with reduced thermal signatures, advanced weaponry, electronic warfare systems, innovative sensors and radar, and a new network-centric system for real-time battlefield situational awareness.
One of the defining features of 6th-generation fighters, set to revolutionize operations, is their ability to operate in swarms alongside drones. The manned F-47 will serve as a “flying command center,” coordinating and directing its accompanying aircraft. This “swarm” will collect and analyze data on targets, threats, and other operational elements, sharing it through a common “ecosystem.” This enables collaborative operations between manned aircraft and drones without reliance on ground stations.
While most technical details remain classified, it’s evident that the F-47 is engineered to secure air dominance against China’s sophisticated fighters, making the Indo-Pacific region its natural theater of operations. This implies the aircraft will boast a long operational range and the capacity to carry a substantial weapons payload.
The Successor
The F-47 is seen as the future replacement for the F-22, which, despite being older than the F-35, remains at the forefront of U.S. Air Force operations. In 1991, Lockheed Martin’s fighter triumphed over the Northrop Grumman/McDonnell Douglas YF-23 in the Pentagon’s ATF (Advanced Tactical Fighter) competition, receiving the green light for full development. Entering service in 2005, the F-22 gave the U.S. Air Force a formidable, stealth-shrouded fighter that was never exported to allies or partners. In fact, in 1998, the U.S. Congress voted against releasing the stealth aircraft to potential buyers.
The F-22 “Raptor” production line opened in 2006, delivering a total of 195 aircraft, 187 of which were operational. However, its staggering acquisition cost (around $350 million per unit) and exorbitant maintenance expenses led to the production line’s closure in 2011. The F-35, also built by Lockheed Martin, was designed for a different operational role and is part of a multinational program, which is why it has been exported beyond the U.S. But as technology advances and the F-22 fleet ages, the U.S. has decided to leap into the 6th generation, with Boeing—despite its struggles in the commercial aviation sector—winning the NGAD contract over Lockheed Martin.
The Competitors
China has also made strides toward a 6th-generation fighter. Photos circulating online last December revealed an aircraft with a delta-wing configuration and no vertical stabilizer, while its three-jet-engine layout drew particular attention. Though little is known about the J-36, its first test flights mark a significant advancement in aerospace engineering. Reports suggest this Chinese fighter incorporates stealth technology, internal weapons bays, and, like its counterparts, is being developed to collaborate with unmanned aircraft.
Europe has joined the race with two platforms: the Tempest, led by BAE Systems, and the FCAS (Future Combat Air System), a joint effort by Airbus, Dassault, and Indra. Under current plans, Europe’s 6th-generation fighter is slated for its first flight by the end of the decade and entry into service by 2040. Details about the FCAS remain scarce, but it’s widely assumed to be a stealth fighter with high maneuverability and enhanced operational capabilities, designed—like its rivals—to operate alongside unmanned platforms. Russia, for now, has not unveiled a mature 6th-generation design, focusing instead on evolving the Su-57, which aims to become its first domestically produced 5th-generation fighter.
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Sourcehttps://www.kathimerini.gr/