Boeing’s Had a Rough Few Years. The Air Force Just Gave It a Prime Opportunity to Recover: The New F-47 Contract

Boeing is currently facing one of the most challenging periods in its recent history. Over the years, the aerospace giant’s reputation has been tarnished by a series of operational and financial issues. Its commercial aviation division, which is responsible for developing and manufacturing aircraft such as the Boeing 737 MAX, has been particularly affected. The 2018 and 2019 crashes marked a significant turning point. New concerns, including production delays and strikes at its facilities, have compounded the situation.

The company’s defense and space division has also encountered significant setbacks. Issues with the Starliner spacecraft have exposed the program’s technical challenges and resulted in public embarrassment for the company. Additionally, other unprofitable projects have strained resources, worsening the crisis.

Amid this challenging landscape, Boeing has received a new opportunity to regain its esteemed reputation: the contract to develop the F-47.

A Turning Point for the U.S. (and Boeing)

The Air Force describes the F-47 as America’s first sixth-generation fighter, marking it as a groundbreaking project. The F-47 is part of the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program, designed to replace the F-22 Raptor with stealth, communication, and firepower advancements. Moreover, the F-47 is intended to operate in conjunction with the Pentagon’s forthcoming fleet of drones, known as Collaborative Combat Aircraft. These operations aim to elevate unmanned missions to a new level.

Details about the project have been limited so far. However, budget figures released in 2024 indicate that the Air Force plans to invest up to $20 billion in NGAD research and development through 2029. Yet, all signs suggest that this amount may only be the starting point. Given that the F-35, developed by Lockheed Martin, is the most expensive fighter jet in history, it’s reasonable to assume that the new sixth-generation fighter will require an even greater investment over its lifetime.

The F-47 isn’t a sudden development from the Trump administration. Rather, it’s an initiative that has been quietly evolving for some time. The NGAD fighter aircraft program began from earlier concepts, specifically what was originally labeled as a Penetrating Counter-Air platform in the mid-2010s. Unlike other military projects, the Air Force has opted to maintain a low profile regarding this initiative.

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Major U.S. defense contractors, including Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and Northrop Grumman, participated in the bidding process. However, Northrop withdrew from the competition in 2023, leaving Boeing and Lockheed as the final contenders. Recently, it was officially announced that Boeing emerged as the winner of the contract.

This is particularly significant because Lockheed was responsible for developing the F-22 Raptor, the fighter aircraft that the F-47 is intended to replace. Additionally, Boeing has a strong legacy in military aircraft, with successful models such as the F-15, F/A-18, and EA-18, originally developed by McDonnell Douglas.

While details about the F-47’s tech specs remain limited, a congressional report has underscored the urgent need for a sixth-generation fighter. This will ensure air superiority in light of China’s military advancements, which include the J-20 and J-35. The Asian country also has plans for even more advanced models underway. As such, the new F-47 aircraft must excel in weapons systems and possess enhanced range. This is crucial for operations in the Pacific Ocean, where the F-22 Raptor has shown limitations.

Images | Air Force

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