Months after the announcement of the F-47, we are now finally getting some figures on what the fighter is capable of U. S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin recently posted an infographic on his X account comparing some of the F-47’s capabilities to fighters of previous generations. One feature that stood out was the fighters range.
The F-47 has an estimated range of at least 1000 nautical miles (its true range is likely significantly higher). This puts the F-47 above its peers in terms of operational range, but is this enough to deal with threats like China?
1000+ Miles of Range for F-47 NGAD
The estimated range on the F-47 falls in line F/A-XX program that the navy was working on. The F/A-XX was rumored to have over 25% of the range of the current F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and F-35C, roughly around 1,275 nautical mile.
This extended range is intended to provide greater operational flexibility and reach, allowing the Navy to project power more effectively across vast distance (we’ll discuss whether this range is enough further down).
Additionally, the F-47 will be equipped with advanced refueling capabilities, enabling it to stay airborne for extended periods.
As a sixth-generation aircraft, stealth technology is a critical component of the F-47’s design. The aircraft will feature advanced stealth features that reduce its radar cross-section, making it more difficult for enemy radar systems to detect and track.
This stealthiness, combined with enhanced survivability features, will enable the F-47 to pierce deeply into an enemy’s anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) bubble with minimal risk.
Other Features
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) is another hallmark of the F-47. The aircraft will leverage AI to enhance battle space management, allowing for more efficient and effective decision-making in complex combat scenarios.
This AI integration will enable the F-47 to operate in a “man on the loop” mode, where human pilots oversee and manage the aircraft’s operations rather than directly controlling every aspect. This approach will improve situational awareness and reduce pilot workload.
We now have official confirmation that the F-47 is designed to be an air superiority fighter. This means that the fighter will deal primarily with air-to-air targets. However, like the F-22, the F-47 will likely also be able to conduct various other missions like air-to-ground combat, reconnaissance, and other functions as needed by the Airforce. This makes it a terrifying presence in the sky as well as a versatile tool, that can adjust to the situation as needed.
The F-47 will be equipped with state-of-the-art sensors and communication systems, providing maximum connectivity and situational awareness. These advanced sensors will enable the aircraft to gather and share real-time battlefield information with other platforms, enhancing the overall effectiveness of areal operations.
The concept of “smart skins,” where sensors are embedded into the aircraft’s surface, may also be explored to further enhance its capabilities.
Why the Military Wants the F-47
There are several strategic factors that necessitate the need for the F-47. As adversaries, especially China, continue to develop their own advanced fighter jets and air defense systems, the F-47 needs to provide the technological edge needed to counter these threats effectively.
Furthermore, it is essential for the Air Force to have a sixth-generation fighter that is able to be stationed on an aircraft carrier. Further cementing the need for a specialized fighter.
Interestingly, the infographic shared by Gen. Allvin also shared some information of the YFQ-42A and YFQ-44A, unmanned drone systems that are intended to work in tandem with the F-47. Most of their specifications are still classified, but they reportedly integrate next-generation stealth technology, have a range of at keas 700 miles, and are designed for air superiority, meaning they are intended primarily for air-to-air action.
Furthermore, the Air Force plans to procure more than a thousand of these stealth drones, a move in line with the DoD’s planned transformation towards unmanned systems.
A Good Start, but is it Enough?
While a range of 1000+ miles sounds like a lot, it is not the breakthrough achievement many might think at first. Considering the growing sophistication of enemy air defense systems, a thousand miles of range will not be enough to deeply penetrate behind enemy lines, even with stealth technology.
Furthermore, with its extended range, naval F-47s will not have enough range to put U.S. carriers out of risk of Chinese missiles. China’s DF-26 anti-ship IRBM has a range of around 2,500 miles, double the operational range of the F-47. For an aircraft that is advertised on its long range, this is a bit of an issue.
A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor assigned to the 3rd Wing takes off from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Nov 21., 2023. The F-22 Raptor is a critical component of the Global Strike Task Force, and is designed to project dominance rapidly and at a great distance to defeat threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Alejandro Peña)
A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor soars above the United Arab Emirates March 16, 2022. The F-22 Raptors were rapidly deployed on order from the U.S. Secretary of Defense in coordination with the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and have joined a range of joint, coalition, and allied and partner combat airpower capabilities already based across the region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Christopher Ruano)
U.S. Air Force Maj. Josh Gunderson, F-22 Demo Team commander, performs maximum power takeoff during a demonstration for the 67th National Security Forum at Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base, Montgomery, Alabama, May 13, 2021. The F-22 Raptor’s two Pratt and Whitney F119 Turbofan engines bring a combined 70,000 pounds of thrust, allowing the aircraft to takeoff straight into the vertical. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Don Hudson)
Whatever the case, it is nice to finally get some more information on the F-47, even if the information is not all that concrete.
It is also nice to know that the USAF is aware of the military’s current needs and is working to address them. Still with the growing capabilities like China and even Russia, it remains to be seen whether the F-47 is up to the challenge.
Still, the F-47 is undoubtedly a step in the right direction.
F-47 Fighter from the U.S. Air Force.
About the Author:
Isaac Seitz, a 19FortyFive Defense Columnist, graduated from Patrick Henry College’s Strategic Intelligence and National Security program. He has also studied Russian at Middlebury Language Schools and has worked as an intelligence Analyst in the private sector.
