Initially scheduled for 2030, the delivery of the future sixth-generation American F-47 fighter jet has been delayed. This ultra-technological aircraft, which is a true flying command center piloted by AI, is intended to help the United States regain the advantage over China in the race for aerial dominance. BFM Business provides an update on what is known about this aircraft.
It was expected by 2030. One year after the contract was officially announced with Boeing to build the next generation of American fighters, the delivery of the F-47 has been postponed, according to Congressman Rob Wittman. “So the question becomes, what do we do in the meantime?” he asked on March 17.
For this Republican, vice-chair of the House Armed Services Committee, the Pentagon should “keep a fleet of F-18s in service” and “maintain the F-22s … That is the only way for us to bridge to the sixth-generation fighter.”
F-18, F-22, F-35… How can one navigate the myriad of aircraft in the American fleet? We explain why the United States have so many fighters and what purpose this new model in development will serve.
F-22, F-35… What are all these planes for?
Firstly, each American military branch has its own fleet of aircraft tailored to their needs. The Navy, the Marines, and the US Air Force all deploy fighter jets on their missions. Historically, the United States have developed both small and large fighters. The smaller ones, like the F-16, are renowned for their maneuverability but have limited range due to their size.
On the other hand, the F-22 Raptor, deployed from the 2000s, is an imposing aircraft designed for “power projection,” according to former fighter pilot Pierre-Henri Chuet. The US Air Force states that it can travel 3,000 kilometers at maximum capacity without refueling. In addition, it has a supercruise capability, allowing supersonic speeds without afterburning.
These features, combined with its stealth capabilities and data fusion capability, make this fighter the king of aerial combat. This superiority led the Americans to prohibit the export of the most expensive fighter aircraft in the world.
It’s a different story for the F-35 Lightning, which, ten years after its introduction, is used by 14 NATO member states, including Italy, Poland, and Denmark. This “multirole” fighter can conduct precision bombing, air combat, and electronic reconnaissance. It is designed as a mass-produced product that can adapt to the needs of acquiring states.
Why create a sixth-generation fighter?
Launched in 2015, the US Air Force’s Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program envisions the launch of a sixth-generation fighter to replace the F-22 by 2030. The 187 aircraft currently in service are over 20 years old, and production ceased in 2011 due to aircraft and mechanical structure wear.
“The Americans are engaged in an arms race with the Chinese,” explains Pierre-Henri Chuet, emphasizing the need to race in ultra-technology as a form of deterrence.
The F-47 is intended to be deployed in the Pacific and reach America’s great rival across the ocean.
In response, the Chinese military is also developing a new aircraft, the J-36, scheduled for delivery by 2030. Russia is also said to be working on a sixth-generation fighter.
However, the label “sixth-generation” does not solely depend on objective criteria but signifies a technological breakthrough compared to currently flying fighters in various aspects.
What will be the innovations of this model?
The promises of the F-47 are numerous, but rumors about its characteristics need to be tested in reality.
In terms of design, the aircraft will be massive to carry enough fuel to cross the Pacific and carry larger armaments than the F-22. Stealth capabilities are crucial, especially concerning radar waves.
The main innovation of the F-47 could lie in its software. The aircraft is envisioned as a command system that could be accompanied by drones, known as “loyal wingmen.” The integration of drones is feasible and may give the pilot enhanced information and tactical advantage.
Military engineers speak of “data fusion” as a vital function of this software to efficiently direct and retrieve information in real-time, essential in modern warfare tactics.
Will France have its sixth-generation aircraft?
For now, the European Future Combat Air System (FCAS) is facing challenges as efforts are made to sustain the next-generation fighter project. The Rafale F5, a versatile fourth-generation aircraft, has been operational for over 20 years, and its successor may take time to materialize.
Financial constraints, especially due to the withdrawal of funding from the United Arab Emirates, raise doubts about the development and financing of new military capabilities.
These considerations highlight the evolving landscape of aerial combat systems and the investments needed to maintain technological advantages and national security in the air.
