f-47-ngad
Summary
Boeing F-47 Next Generation Air Dominance fighter. Won contract March 2025. First flight targeted 2028. Manufacturing of first article began September 2025. $3.45B FY2026, $5+B FY2027. 185 aircraft planned (replacing F-22). Propulsion: NGAP (Next Generation Adaptive Propulsion) engine not ready until ~2030. GE XA102 and P&W XA103 prototypes in development. 'The initial batch of F-47 fighters will not fly with an NGAP engine.' 'Neither the USAF nor Boeing has disclosed what engine will initially power the F-47.' Program characterized by 'extreme teaming,' 'unprecedented maturity,' and 'secretive testing campaign.' Modular design intended to 'accommodate emerging technology.' ASSESSMENT: The F-47 is a CONVENTIONAL sixth-generation fighter with adaptive-cycle turbofan propulsion. The corpus claim that 'Boeing NGAD is cover for CFR orb flight testing at Edwards AFB' is NOT SUPPORTED by public evidence. The budget ($3.45B/year) is consistent with a fighter program, not a revolutionary propulsion program.
Intelligence Analysis
F-47 NGAD
Purpose: F-47 NGAD — next-gen air dominance fighter Category: Program Assessment This node tracks the status and trajectory of F-47 NGAD as a defense program element. It links to 5 related entities, mapping the program's position within the classified acquisition ecosystem.
Key Relationships
- ← $1.6B Classified Program (assessment): F-47 is conventional (Boeing won). This classified program is BEYOND F-47 — 'generation-after-next'
- ← 2028 Convergence (assessment): F-47 first flight 2028. Conventional cover while classified programs reach operational status.
- → Skunk Works® CFR Program (event): F-47 is conventional turbofan. CFR/orb platform would be generation-after-next, beyond F-47
- → Lockheed Martin Skunk Works® (organisation): Lockheed lost F-47 to Boeing but continues Power & Plasma Team for generation-after-next
- → Lockheed RTP 2026 Hiring (assessment): F-47 is next-gen. Power & Plasma Team is 'generation-after-next' — BEYOND F-47
Key Findings
- ▸ Purpose: F-47 NGAD — next-gen air dominance fighter
- ▸ ← $1.6B Classified Program (assessment): F-47 is conventional (Boeing won). This classified program is BEYOND F-47 — 'generation-after-next'
- ▸ ← 2028 Convergence (assessment): F-47 first flight 2028. Conventional cover while classified programs reach operational status.
- ▸ → Skunk Works® CFR Program (event): F-47 is conventional turbofan. CFR/orb platform would be generation-after-next, beyond F-47
- ▸ → Lockheed Martin Skunk Works® (organisation): Lockheed lost F-47 to Boeing but continues Power & Plasma Team for generation-after-next
Network Linkage
Connected to 5 entities (3 assessments, 1 event, 1 organisation). Primary links: $1.6B Classified Program, 2028 Convergence, Skunk Works® CFR Program, Lockheed Martin Skunk Works®, Lockheed RTP 2026 Hiring.
Related Entities (1)
Network Graph
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View in Network GraphGlossary Definition
The F-47 Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) is the U.S. Air Force's sixth-generation fighter program, awarded to Boeing in 2025. The F-47 represents the 'next-generation' conventional turbine aircraft, while Lockheed Martin Skunk Works® continue...
Category: Programs View in Glossary →Source Documents (4)
- Air Force Times — 'F-47 program producing test aircraft' (July 30, 2026)
- Breaking Defense — 'Air Force eyes next-gen engine integration by 2030' (July 2026)
- FlightGlobal — 'USAF general reiterates 2028 first flight for F-47' (July 2026)
- Breaking Defense — 'Manufacturing of first F-47 underway' (September 2025)
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