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F-47

The F-47 is a planned American sixth-generation air superiority fighter under development by Boeing for the United States Air Force as part of the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The F-47 is a planned American sixth-generation air superiority fighter under development by Boeing for the United States Air Force as part of the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program. It is intended to succeed the F-22 Raptor and is described by the Air Force as the world’s first sixth-generation fighter aircraft. The program remains highly classified, with many technical details not publicly released.

Development

The F-47 is being developed by Boeing for the U.S. Air Force under the NGAD program. The Air Force awarded Boeing the contract in March 2025, and the first airframe was reported as under production by later reporting.

Design and role

The aircraft is described as an air superiority fighter and as the successor to the F-22 Raptor. Public statements indicate a focus on stealth, long range, high speed, and operations alongside autonomous companion aircraft.

Planned capabilities

The Air Force has said the F-47 is expected to have a combat radius of more than 1,000 nautical miles and a top speed greater than Mach 2. Other details remain undisclosed because the program is classified.

Program status

As of the latest public reporting in 2026, the first flight is expected in 2028 and initial operational capability in 2029, with broader fielding planned for the 2030s.

Key facts

  • The F-47 is a planned U.S. sixth-generation air superiority fighter under development by Boeing.
  • It is intended to succeed the F-22 Raptor as part of the NGAD program.
  • The Air Force plans to procure more than 185 aircraft.
  • Publicly stated performance goals include a combat radius over 1,000 nautical miles and top speed above Mach 2.
  • The design is expected to operate with collaborative combat aircraft (autonomous drone wingmen).
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Canadian context

Canadian readers may encounter the F-47 in coverage of North American airpower, U.S.-Canada defence cooperation, and future continental air defence planning through NORAD.

Frequently asked questions

What is the F-47?
The F-47 is a planned Boeing-built sixth-generation air superiority fighter for the U.S. Air Force.
Who is building the F-47?
Boeing is developing the F-47 for the U.S. Air Force.
What aircraft will it replace?
It is intended to succeed the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor.
When is the first flight expected?
Public reporting says the first flight is expected in 2028.
How many F-47s may be built?
Air Force leaders have said they intend to buy more than 185 aircraft.
What is known about its performance?
Officials have publicly cited a combat radius of more than 1,000 nautical miles and a top speed above Mach 2.

References

  1. U.S. Air Force — https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/4131345/air-force-awards-contract-for-next-generation-air-dominance-ngad-platform-f-47/
    Supports: Contract award to Boeing, program identification, and description as the world’s first sixth-generation fighter aircraft.
  2. Defense News — https://www.defensenews.com/air/2025/09/22/first-f-47-now-being-built-will-fly-in-2028-us-air-force-chief/
    Supports: Production status, 2028 first-flight expectation, intended replacement of the F-22, and publicly stated performance goals.
  3. Air & Space Forces Magazine — https://www.airandspaceforces.com/f-47-program-on-track-2028-flight/
    Supports: 2028 flight target, Mach 2-plus and 1,000-nautical-mile performance claims, and production status.
  4. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_F-47
    Supports: General overview, planned role, estimated procurement quantity, and timeline details.