Image source: topwar.ru
The Chief of Staff of the US Air Force, General David Alvin, posted a new animated image of the F-47 online and revealed a number of data on this promising fighter, which is being developed by Boeing Corporation.
Judging by this publication, the main purpose of the new aircraft will be to gain air superiority similar to the role of the F-22 on the battlefield. This means the return of the command to the concept of highly specialized aircraft, "sharpened" to solve specific tasks, rather than having versatility, like the multifunctional F-35 fighter-bombers.
One of the features of the F-47 will be its flight distance, which, according to the Air Force, is estimated at more than 1,000 nautical miles, or about 1,850 km, which significantly exceeds the capabilities of existing machines.
It is reported that the maximum speed of the F-47 will be more than two Mach. At the same time, it will support it in the so-called "supersonic cruising flight" mode, that is, without using afterburners. This feature, already present in the F-22, will be improved for long-range missions.
Image source: topwar.ru
It is expected that due to the further development of stealth technology, the aircraft will surpass its predecessors in terms of radar and infrared stealth.
As indicated in the publication, the current plans of the US Air Force provide for the acquisition of 185 aircraft. For comparison, apart from the test vehicle, the number of F-22s built is 187. Apparently, the F-47 is being created as a direct replacement for the F-22.
According to the announced schedule, the development of the F-47 should be completed during 2025-2029. It is likely that we are talking about the first flight, which, apparently, should take place before 2030.
