The F-47 Fighter Jet: A New Era in Aerial Combat

History

Beginning from a classified project in the early 2020s, this aircraft was designed to be the ultimate aerial fighter jet. A collaboration between aerospace engineers and military strategists, the program set out to create a jet that could dominate in both traditional and electronic warfare.

The F-47 program is part of the U.S. Air Force's Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) initiative, aimed at replacing the aging F-22 and F-35 fleets. The initiative focuses on a "family of systems," with the core being the Penetrating Counter-Air (PCA) fighter, a fast, long-range, stealthy aircraft. 

DARPA’s Aerospace Innovation Initiative, launched in 2014, has helped develop X-plane prototypes to test new fighter tech, with Boeing's demonstrator flying in 2019. Initially, the PCA was planned to operate solo, but with advancements in automation, it will now work alongside uncrewed combat drones.

The NGAD contract was supposed to be awarded in 2024, but due to escalating costs—three times the price of an F-35—the program was paused. An internal study found that NGAD was still the best option for air superiority. 

In March 2025, President Trump confirmed the F-47 would move forward, with Boeing receiving a $20 billion contract for its development. The "47" in the name honors the P-47 fighter from WWII, and the Air Force’s founding year. The F-47 is expected to fly by 2029, with Boeing's fighter production line in St. Louis set to play a key role.

Design

The F-47's design details are still classified, but it’s expected to be a major leap forward in several areas. 

The air superiority fighter will boast a much longer range, enhanced stealth capabilities, and improved sustainability. It will be easier to maintain and more readily available compared to fifth-generation fighters like the F-22 and F-35. 

Additionally, it will cost less than the F-22, be produced in larger quantities, and be more versatile against future threats. The F-47 will also require fewer personnel and less infrastructure for deployment. Its top speed is expected to reach around Mach 2, and it will be capable of operating alongside drone swarms