The proposal stems from Lockheed’s loss earlier this year to Boeing in the NGAD competition, now designated as the F-47, which is slated for operational status by 2029. Taiclet described the upgraded F-35 as a “Ferrari” version, aiming to deliver approximately 80% of sixth-generation capabilities at half the cost of a full NGAD fighter. Key enhancements include advanced stealth coatings to better evade radar and infrared detection, a more powerful engine, upgraded electronic warfare systems, new radar technology, expanded weapon bays, and even an optionally manned configuration allowing for unmanned operations. These features draw directly from research conducted for Lockheed’s sixth-gen concept, which emphasized automation, data fusion, and adaptive cycle engines for superior thrust and efficiency.
Smaller than the B-2 Spirit, the B-21 can carry up to 30,000 pounds of conventional or nuclear payloads with intercontinental range. At least six are under production, with plans for 100+ to replace aging B-52s and B-1s. Its advanced stealth coatings and open architecture for rapid upgrades position it as a key asset for penetrating contested airspace. Looking ahead, the NGAD program, now the Boeing F-47, is in early development as the Air Force’s sixth-generation fighter. Designed for air dominance, it features adaptive engines, enhanced stealth, and integration with drone wingmen for collaborative combat. A demonstrator flew in 2020, and with the Pentagon’s FY2026 budget fully committed, prototypes are expected to advance testing toward a 2029 debut. Costs per unit could exceed $200 million, emphasizing modularity for future upgrades. The Navy’s F/A-XX, a carrier-based sixth-gen fighter, shares technologies with NGAD to expedite development.
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Sgt Pat and Mal Antoni at Whatfinger News
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