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17m ago

Air Force Says First F-47 Is Under Construction, First Flight Targeted for 2028

The jet anchors a classified NGAD network pairing the crewed aircraft with autonomous wingmen to preserve U.S. air superiority in the Pacific.

Official artists rendering of the Boeing F-47. (U.S. Air Force graphic)
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Overview

  • Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin said at the AFA conference that Boeing has begun manufacturing the first F-47 test airframe.
  • The service is aiming for a maiden flight in 2028, marking a rapid shift from contract award to hardware following the March selection.
  • The F-47 is intended to replace the F-22 and is expected to exceed a 1,000-nautical-mile combat radius and surpass Mach 2.
  • The Air Force plans to buy at least 185 aircraft as part of the broader NGAD effort that will team the fighter with Collaborative Combat Aircraft drones.
  • Most design specifics remain classified, with only two official renderings released that officials say may not reflect the final aircraft.