The F-47 is the U.S. Air Force’s forthcoming sixth-generation fighter jet, developed under the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program. Designed to replace the F-22 Raptor, the F-47 aims to maintain U.S. air superiority into the 2030s and beyond.
Development and Testing Timeline:
• Prototype Testing: Since 2020, experimental X-planes associated with the NGAD program have been undergoing test flights. These prototypes have accumulated “hundreds of hours” of flight time, aiding in the development of new technologies and operational concepts.
• Upcoming Test Flights: The finalized Boeing F-47 is scheduled to conduct its inaugural flight by early 2029, aligning with the current presidential term.
Expected Service Entry:
• Operational Deployment: The U.S. Air Force plans to have the F-47 enter operational service before the end of the decade, with projections around 2030.
These timelines underscore the Air Force’s commitment to advancing its air combat capabilities in response to evolving global threats.
