Boeing has begun building the first F‑47 sixth‑generation fighter for the U.S. Air Force, with a first flight targeted in 2028, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin said. The F‑47 — intended to replace the F‑22 — will feature advanced engines, low observables and fly with drone wingmen.
Discovered |
Briefing
The programme sets a concrete NGAD timeline: manufacturing has started and the USAF is targeting a 2028 first flight, accelerating the schedule to replace the F‑22 and driving near‑term capability planning; Lockheed is already pitching an F‑35 "bridge" to fill gaps until the F‑47 enters service (https://hype.aero/?story=56daa6af-27f5-4824-a456-3899a053477b).
The milestone sharpened competition among primes as Boeing moves from demonstrator to production; Lockheed is in very active talks with DoD to incorporate sixth‑generation tech into the F‑135, underscoring industry efforts to retrofit or augment existing platforms.
The F‑47’s emphasis on advanced propulsion, low observables and manned‑unmanned teaming will drive requirements for next‑generation sensors, weapons and EW integration alongside concurrent programs such as the AIM‑260 missile development and rapid fielding efforts like the B‑21 flight test and deliveries.
Reported By
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USAF: F-47 NGAD Airframes in Build, 2028 First Flight — NGAD Is a System-of-Systems • nationalsecurityjournal.org
(PT) First Boeing F-47 to fly in 2028 • forcaaerea.com.br
Boeing’s F-47 NGAD Enters Production; USAF Targets 2028 First Flight Amid Competition With China • nationalsecurityjournal.org
USAF Confirms F-47 First Flight as Sixth‑Gen Program Trails Chinese Rivals by Four Years • militarywatchmagazine.com
Boeing Working on First F-47 Fighter, Expected to Fly in 2028: USAF Chief • defence.m5dergi.com
Boeing Assembling First F‑47 NGAD Airframe; USAF Aims for 2028 Flight with China-Focused, Collaborative‑Combat Role • nationalsecurityjournal.org
Boeing Begins Build of First USAF F-47 NGAD Airframe; First Flight Targeted for 2028 on $20B EMD Award • nationalsecurityjournal.org
USAF F-47 NGAD Targets Mach 2+, Lasers and Hypersonics with 2028 Flight Goal • nationalsecurityjournal.org
Boeing’s F-47 NGAD Reportedly Under Construction and Could Fly by 2028 • nationalsecurityjournal.org
USAF's F‑47 sixth‑generation fighter: Boeing begins construction, initial flight targeted for 2028 • theaviationgeekclub.com
USAF Begins Construction of Boeing-built F-47; First Flight Planned for 2028 • news.defcros.com
(TR) Boeing Begins Production of F-47: First Flight Targeted in 2028 | SavunmaSanayiST • savunmasanayist.com
Boeing Begins Production of F-47 Stealth Fighter for U.S. Air Force • news.ssbcrack.com
USAF Begins Manufacturing Sixth-Generation F‑47; First Flight Targeted for 2028 • news.ssbcrack.com
Boeing Begins Production of F-47; USAF Targets First Flight in 2028 • The Aviationist
First F-47 sixth-generation aircraft expected to fly in 2028 • Washington Examiner
First F-47 now being built, will fly in 2028: US Air Force chief • AirForceTimes
First F-47 now being built, will fly in 2028: US Air Force chief • DefenseNews.com
Air & Space Forces Mag
• Chris Gordon