F-47

 Collected dribs and drabs about the new Boeing F-47 Stealth

fighter the US just contracted for:

As for the role of the Boeing F-47 in the U.S. military, it will be positioned as an air superiority fighter. The primary function of these planes would be to establish and maintain control of the skies in combat zones. This focus on air dominance is critical, as future military conflicts will likely involve complex air-to-air combat, with multiple adversaries and advanced technologies at play.

One of the most exciting aspects of the F-47 is its integration with an upcoming technology called Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA). This technology entails the integration of small but potent military drones that work alongside the manned fighter to carry out a variety of missions. These drones can perform tasks ranging from electronic warfare to missile launches, significantly enhancing the F-47's capabilities while reducing the risk to pilots.

Read More: https://www.slashgear.com/1816355/new-boeing-f-47-fighter-jet-6th-generation/

                                                           *     *     *

However, he hinted for the first time ever that the United States will consider selling “toned down” versions of the F-47 to “certain” allies — a break from how the F-47’s predecessor, the F-22, was barred from exports. (Trump also noted “We like to tone them down by about 10 percent, which probably makes sense, because someday maybe they’re not our allies.”) 

https://breakingdefense.com/2025/03/boeing-wins-sixth-gen-fighter-ngad-air-force-lockheed-loss-trump-hegseth/

                                                          *     *     *

Alongside Boeing’s role in producing the main aircraft, companies like Anduril Industries and General Atomics are developing the semi-autonomous drones that will work in coordination with the F-47 in combat.

The Air Force has deemed NGAD essential for maintaining an edge over global adversaries, particularly China, which has been rapidly advancing its own military aircraft technology.

...

The F-47 program represents a major shift in American air combat strategy, integrating manned and unmanned systems like never before. While the program still faces challenges in terms of cost and design, the Pentagon’s selection of Boeing signals a clear commitment to pushing forward with the next generation of fighter aircraft.

With development now officially underway, the U.S. Air Force is preparing to field the F-47 in the 2030s, ensuring that American pilots—and their robotic wingmen—remain dominant in the skies.

https://www.republicworld.com/world-news/boeing-wins-contract-for-us-air-forces-next-gen-fighter-jet-f-47     

                                                           *      *     *

Can you explain more about stealth technology?

Stealth technology, often referred to as "low observable technology," is a fascinating field designed to make aircraft, ships, and other vehicles less detectable to radar, infrared, sonar, and other detection methods. Here's a breakdown of how it works:

Radar Absorption: Special materials, known as radar-absorbent materials (RAM), are used to reduce the reflection of radar waves. These materials absorb the waves instead of bouncing them back to the radar source.

Shaping: The design of stealth vehicles often includes smooth, angled surfaces that deflect radar waves away from the source, minimizing the radar cross-section (RCS).

Infrared Suppression: To reduce heat signatures, stealth aircraft use advanced cooling systems and exhaust designs to disperse heat from engines, making them harder to detect with infrared sensors.

Acoustic Reduction: Noise from engines and other systems is minimized to avoid detection by sound-based systems.

Electromagnetic Emission Control: Stealth systems limit the emission of radio waves and other signals that could give away the vehicle's position.

Active Countermeasures: Some stealth systems include jamming devices or decoys to confuse enemy detection systems.

Stealth technology has been a game-changer in modern warfare, allowing vehicles like the F-22 Raptor and B-2 Spirit to operate in hostile environments with reduced risk of detection. It's a blend of physics, engineering, and innovation that continues to evolve.

                                                        *     *     *

My little joke:

The proposed Boeing F-47 will use stealth technology, but you can still take a picture...?

Yes, stealth technology primarily aims to make the aircraft less detectable by radar, infrared sensors, and other electronic surveillance methods—not the human eye or standard cameras. If you're close enough, you can still visually spot and photograph the F-47, just like other stealth aircraft such as the F-22 Raptor or B-2 Spirit.

However, stealth designs can make these planes harder to identify at a distance due to their unique shapes and muted surface materials. In low-light or foggy conditions, they might blend in more effectively with the surroundings. So, capturing a clear image of the F-47 might take a bit of effort, but it’s absolutely possible!

Are you intrigued by the way these aircraft blend innovation and aesthetics?