Allvin avoided specifics regarding the F-47’s features. But he did mention that the X-planes have been testing NGAD technologies for five years now, “flying hundreds of hours, testing cutting-edge concepts, and proving that we can push the edge of technology with confidence.”

Air Force Chief of Staff General David W. Allvin has released a statement explaining exactly why the forthcoming F-47 fighter will be an upgrade over the existing F-22. Allvin’s statement implicitly works to address meaningful questions, like, if the F-22 is the world’s most advanced air superiority fighter, then how necessary is it for the Air Force to field a fighter that is more advanced than the F-22. Allvin also sheds light on the F-47 program, which until now has been shrouded in complete secrecy.

The F-47 is expected to be the world’s first operational sixth-generation fighter. “Despite what our adversaries claim,” Allvin wrote, “the F-47 is truly the world’s first crewed sixth-generation fighter.” The comment appears to be in reference to China, which has released pictures and mock-ups of futuristic looking aircraft.

According to Allvin, the F-47 will feature “next generation stealth, sensor fusion, and long-range strike capabilities to counter the most sophisticated adversaries in contested environments.” This is the crux of the issue, and the reason the Air Force is moving away from the F-22: the Raptor’s stealth is a generation old now, and no longer grants the fifth-generation fighter the ability to move about unseen in contested airspace. Functionally, the F-22 is not really a stealth aircraft—not anymore. And today, against a sophisticated adversary, stealth is a prerequisite for establishing air superiority.

The F-47 will also have a “significantly longer range” than the F-22, Allvin stated. The range increase is clearly in preparation for conflict over the Indo-Pacific, where vast bodies of water separate land masses and airfields, potentially forcing aircraft to travel long distances just to engage with the enemy. The F-22, designed and built through the 80s and 90s, was calibrated towards the Soviet/Russian threat and a correlating war in Europe—where airfields and military targets are closer together and aircraft can operate effectively with shorter ranges.

What will the F-47’s range be? Well, according to Allvin, “the F-22 has a range of more than 1,850 miles with two external wing fuel tanks before it needs to be refueled.” One can therefore assume that the F-47 will have a range exceeding 2,000 miles. With that said, the F-47 is expected to be released with two variants—one for long-range encounters in the Indo-Pacific, and another for shorter-range encounters in Europe.

Allvin avoided specifics regarding the F-47’s features. But he did mention that the X-planes have been testing NGAD technologies for five years now, “flying hundreds of hours, testing cutting-edge concepts, and proving that we can push the edge of technology with confidence.”

In short, the F-47 should be a stealthier aircraft, with longer range, than the F-22. And as Allvin suggested, the F-47 will be easier to maintain and easier to procure; the F-22, particularly its stealth features, required constant maintenance and nuanced attention. Allvin said that the F-47 will be “more sustainable, supportable, and have higher availability than our fifth-generation fighters”—if true, making it one of the most advanced and useful planes in the Air Force’s arsenal.

About the Author: Harrison Kass

Harrison Kass is a senior defense and national security writer with over 1,000 total pieces on issues involving global affairs. An attorney, pilot, guitarist, and minor pro hockey player, Harrison joined the US Air Force as a Pilot Trainee but was medically discharged. Harrison holds a BA from Lake Forest College, a JD from the University of Oregon, and an MA from New York University. Harrison listens to Dokken.

Images: Shutterstock / Ryan Fletcher.

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