Image source: topwar.ru
Boeing Corporation has begun production of the latest product in the line of American combat aircraft, the 6th–generation F-47 stealth fighter, which is scheduled to take off soon.
- Western observers say.
As indicated, the contractor only won a competition in March to create a manned fighter under the NGAD program (which also provides for the development of a "partner" UAV, modern engines, weapons, electronic warfare systems, sensors and combat controls). However, it should be borne in mind that the new aircraft is not being developed from scratch, and a rich foundation is in demand when creating it, as officials also say.
- said the other day, the commander of the US Air Force, David Allwin.
He also mentioned the expected dates of the first flight: according to him, the developer is "determined" to lift the car into the air in 2028. Apparently, the team is being pushed for political reasons – Donald Trump's term of office ends on January 20, 2029.
- noted Allwin.
Image source: topwar.ru
The details of the F-47 program are shrouded in mystery. So far, only two official images have been published, which, as it turns out, do not fully reflect the true design of the aircraft.
- said the US Secretary of the Air Force, Troy Maink.
The US Air Force has announced that the F-47 will have a speed exceeding Mach 2 and a combat radius of more than 1,000 nautical miles (1,850 km), which will increase the operational range by at least 25% compared to current American fighters. It is expected that the F-47 will have a low EPR, reduced visibility in the infrared and radio ranges due to the use of a broadband communication channel.
In total, the US Air Force is going to purchase at least 185 F-47 aircraft. The projected price of one aircraft will be more than $300 million, which is about three times the average cost of an F-35 fighter jet.
