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Shown is a graphical artist rendering of the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) Platform. The rendering highlights the Air Force’s sixth generation fighter, the F-47. The NGAD Platform will bring lethal, next-generation technologies to ensure air superiority for the Joint Force in any conflict. Source: U.S. Air Force graphic
Mar 21, 2025
Under research and development contracts with DARPA, Boeing and Lockheed Martin designed two X-planes as risk reduction for the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) Platform. These aircraft first flew in 2019 and 2022, logging several hundred hours each.
As reflected in the statement from Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. David Allvin: “For the past five years, the X-planes for this aircraft have been quietly laying the foundation for the F-47 — flying hundreds of hours, testing cutting-edge concepts, and proving that we can push the envelope of technology with confidence.”
DARPA’s involvement began with its Air Dominance Initiative study in 2014, which resulted in the agency’s Aerospace Innovation Initiative. “It is often only in future decades when DARPA’s disruptive impact can be unveiled – today, we’re proud to be able to share the 10-year DARPA research arc that has culminated in the F-47 program, defining the next era of American air dominance," said DARPA Acting Director Rob McHenry.
Please direct media inquiries about the F-47 to U.S. Air Force Public Affairs.
Jotun wrote: ↑Sat Mar 22, 2025 9:57 am
One question. Is there anything known about the F-47?
I mean, to me it looks a bit like creating designation first and then putting a plane underneath it at some point…
Jotun,
It appears - and I will happily confess to error on this - that a demonstrator/prototype has been flying for about five years now; My Beloved Service has been charmingly vague on exactly what that airframe is. It was always going to be an F- series, we're getting a new bomber and USAF feels that A- is the work of the Devil and His minions.
Strictly speaking, this should have been at least F-36, but for all we know there have been a few paper projects in between that haven't been made public. -47 though was almost certainly given to stroke the President's ego...and at this point, I'm actually okay with that. He'll have skin in the game as it were, and he'll be keeping an eye on it. Boeing has dealt with the President at close range already, and they don't like it - and every little bit of motivation for them to keep the project on time and reasonably close to budget is a good thing.
Mike
Makes sense. It is actually impressive they managed to keep it off the radar (pun intended), and with a POTUS as fickle and unpredictable as Trump, a sop or three to his ego are sadly necessary.
MikeKozlowski wrote: ↑Sat Mar 22, 2025 11:05 amStrictly speaking, this should have been at least F-36, but for all we know there have been a few paper projects in between that haven't been made public.
I think it should have been the F-24, or maybe F-25. Given development times, there's a chance that POTUS 49 will change the designation.
I wonder which will enter service first? The F-47, or Tempest?
“Frankly, I had enjoyed the war… and why do people want peace if the war is so much fun?” - Lieutenant General Sir Adrian Carton de Wiart
MikeKozlowski wrote: ↑Sat Mar 22, 2025 11:05 amStrictly speaking, this should have been at least F-36, but for all we know there have been a few paper projects in between that haven't been made public.
I think it should have been the F-24, or maybe F-25. Given development times, there's a chance that POTUS 49 will change the designation.
I wonder which will enter service first? The F-47, or Tempest?
Until the last few weeks, I'd have said that the -47 would get airborne first, but now BAE has a lot of incentives to get a prototype flying ahead of the -47, both financially and politically.
MikeKozlowski wrote: ↑Sat Mar 22, 2025 4:05 pmUntil the last few weeks, I'd have said that the -47 would get airborne first, but now BAE has a lot of incentives to get a prototype flying ahead of the -47, both financially and politically.
Tempest prototype is supposedly about half built and using a lot of Typhoon bits. With a bit of luck I'll get to take a look when I'm up in Warton next month.
War is less costly than servitude. The choice is always between Verdun and Dachau. - Jean Dutourd
Pdf27 wrote: ↑Sat Mar 22, 2025 9:32 am
So the F-35 is (un)officially named Dave, continuing in this theme I would suggest naming the F-47 Donald. That'll secure funding for the next 4 years at least, and it would be fun to watch heads exploding in Congress.
would that not instantly be relabeled "the duck" by certain media types?
