F-47 Specifications

Power Plant: Twin engine (Using engines developed via the Adaptive Versatile Engine Technology (ADVENT) program. Specifics TBA)

Speed: Mach 2+

Combat Radius: 1000nm (1150 Statute Miles, 1852 Km)

Airframe Numbers: 185+

Timeline: Operational airframe by 2025 - 2029.

Stealth Class: Stealth++

Pilot: Manned (man in the loop) with AI integration

Development History: DARPA conducted classified conceptual work (2014) and by 2020 a flying demonstrator airframe had achieved flight hours. This is perhaps why the USAF is confident of a 2025 - 2029 operational timeline. Realisticly, a 2030’s operational deployment is more likely.

Defence Program: USAF NGAD Program. Note the US Navy has a separate and distinct NGAD program (F/A-XX program) with only some operational cross over as would be expected.

Design: Based on the information available, it may be assumed at this point the F-47 will need to be a similar size to the F-111 or larger for internal fuel carriage as well as internal weapons storage, two requirements of a stealth airframe. Those two requirements will determine it’s dimensions, even with more efficient and modern engines. This will sacrifice air to air manoeuvrability, however the F-47 is also part of a system of battlefield penetration and defence assets (Collaborative Combat Aircraft - CCA) working with and providing information to other forward operating aircraft and/or drones from programs like the loyal wingman program.