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July 27, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
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Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
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F-47

The F-47 is a planned American sixth-generation air superiority fighter under development by Boeing for the United States Air Force as part of the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program.

Updated July 27, 20261 min readCited sources

The F-47 is a planned American sixth-generation air superiority fighter under development by Boeing for the U.S. Air Force. It is intended to succeed the F-22 Raptor as the world's first sixth-generation fighter.

What it is

The F-47 is being developed under the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program. Boeing won the contract in March 2025. The aircraft is designed as an air superiority fighter with stealth, long range, and high speed, and will operate alongside autonomous drone wingmen.

Planned capabilities

Publicly stated goals include a combat radius of more than 1,000 nautical miles and a top speed above Mach 2. Many technical details remain classified. The Air Force plans to procure more than 185 aircraft, with first flight expected in 2028 and initial service entry in 2029.

Why it matters for Canada

The F-47 will shape future North American airpower and could influence continental defence cooperation through NORAD. Canadian readers may see it in discussions about joint defence planning and evolving air threats.

In short

  • Boeing is building the F-47 for the U.S. Air Force as a sixth-generation fighter.
  • It will replace the F-22 Raptor and operate with autonomous drone wingmen.
  • First flight is planned for 2028, with service entry in 2029.
  • More than 185 aircraft are expected to be procured.
Canadian angle

Canadian readers may encounter the F-47 in coverage of North American airpower, U.S.-Canada defence cooperation, and future continental air defence planning through NORAD.

Quick questions

What is the F-47?
A planned Boeing-built sixth-generation air superiority fighter for the U.S. Air Force.
When is the first flight expected?
Public reporting says the first flight is expected in 2028.
What is known about its performance?
Officials have cited a combat radius of more than 1,000 nautical miles and a top speed above Mach 2.

Sources

  1. U.S. Air Force — https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/4131345/air-force-awards-contract-for-next-generation-air-dominance-ngad-platform-f-47/
    Supports: Contract award to Boeing, program identification, and description as the world’s first sixth-generation fighter aircraft.
  2. Defense News — https://www.defensenews.com/air/2025/09/22/first-f-47-now-being-built-will-fly-in-2028-us-air-force-chief/
    Supports: Production status, 2028 first-flight expectation, intended replacement of the F-22, and publicly stated performance goals.
  3. Air & Space Forces Magazine — https://www.airandspaceforces.com/f-47-program-on-track-2028-flight/
    Supports: 2028 flight target, Mach 2-plus and 1,000-nautical-mile performance claims, and production status.
  4. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_F-47
    Supports: General overview, planned role, estimated procurement quantity, and timeline details.