The F-47: Next Generation Air Dominance

The next generation of air dominance will be arriving soon, as the Engineering and Manufacturing Development phase of the Next Generation Air Dominance program was awarded to Boeing in an announcement on March 21, 2025, by President Donald Trump, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, and former U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff General David Allvin. 

The new aircraft being developed has been officially designated the F-47, and it is expected to replace the F-22A Raptor. The choice of the name F-47 pays homage to the World War II P-47 Thunderbolt. 

NGAD seeks to construct a sixth-generation air superiority fighter, the first in the world, that has unmatched capabilities and can support the integration of future technologies, which is a cornerstone of the F-47. Boeing has been awarded a $20 billion contract for the fighter, which will cover the development and construction of prototype aircraft, and the possibility of limited initial production. 

This new fighter jet’s propulsion systems will be developed by the Next Generation Adaptive Propulsion program, and currently GE Aerospace’s XA102 and Pratt & Whitney’s XA103 are in competition. Both designs draw from the same program, the Adaptive Engine Transition Program and they both seek to deliver increased thrust, better fuel efficiency, and improved thermal management systems. 

Allvin has explained that the F-47 will have a smaller radar signature and require less maintenance and logistical support compared to fifth-generation fighter jets, saying the F-47 “will be simpler to operate and deploy than the F-22A, with a higher level of mission readiness and reduced reliance on large support infrastructure.” Additionally, the F-47’s range is expected to exceed 1,000 nautical miles, making it capable of flying deep into enemy territory without needing as much aerial refueling support as other fighters, significantly expanding the U.S. Air Force’s operational capabilities 

In Boeing’s preliminary graphics, all that is visible is the nose of the F-47, which includes canard foreplanes, implying potential trade-offs to increased maneuverability. Despite there being no confirmation, there is speculation that the F-47 will possess a tailless delta or lambda-wing layout with two engines that will use under-fuselage or under-wing intakes. 

The F-47 is expected to not only be positioned for traditional air dominance, but to also integrate unmanned systems, electronic warfare assets, and space-based sensors that will allow it to operate in contested environments augmented by complementary autonomous platforms. These unmanned systems are projected to include the capability of the pilot to control and coordinate attacks from Collaborative Combat Aircraft drones from the aircraft. 

Hegseth has emphasized the superiority of the F-47, saying, “We’re not just building another fighter jet—we’re shaping the future of warfare and sending a clear message to our adversaries. This platform will be the most advanced, lethal, and adaptable fighter ever created. It is being designed to outmaneuver and outmatch every known aircraft. The new F-47 will surpass any opponent daring to challenge our brave pilots.” 

Due to national security concerns, no cost has been confirmed, but Allvin has stated the F-47 will be less expensive than the F-22A, and the U.S. Air Force expects to buy at least 185 aircraft. However, some estimates claim each unit may cost hundreds of millions, and others claim the cost could reach $300 million per aircraft, making the F-47 potentially more expensive than the F-22. There is also potential for a reduced-capability version of the F-47 that might be offered to some allied nations. 

Although there is no specific operational date for the F-47, Allvin has revealed that production has begun, and the initial flight is projected for 2028. He revealed that Boeing’s teams quickly began production after their contract was announced in March. 

As production continues, no one knows exactly what the F-47 will look like or be capable of, however, Trump, Hegseth, and Allvin are confident that the F-47 will be the most capable and superior aircraft in the world. As the initial flight comes closer, additional information is expected to be released regarding the F-47’s capabilities and design. 

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