U.S. Air Force Accelerates Timeline for First Flight of F-47 Fighter Jet
Aviation News – The U.S. Air Force now expects the F-47, its next-generation fighter aircraft, to make its first flight in 2028, one year earlier than previously announced.
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin revealed the revised timeline during his keynote at the Air, Space and Cyber Conference, stressing urgency as the program advances. Manufacturing of the first prototype has already begun, he confirmed. Earlier plans had projected the first flight for January 2029.
Details on the F-47 remain limited, but official documents suggest the aircraft will have a combat radius exceeding 1,000 nautical miles and a top speed beyond Mach 2. For comparison, the F-22 Raptor reaches Mach 2 with a 590-mile combat radius, while the F-35 Lightning II tops out at Mach 1.6 with a 670-mile combat radius. The new fighter is also expected to feature “stealth++” capabilities, building on advances in radar evasion beyond today’s frontline jets.
“We got to go fast,” Gen. Allvin said. “It’s almost 2026. The team is committed to getting the first one flying in 2028.”
Defense analysts say the accelerated schedule reflects the Air Force’s determination to maintain air dominance in an era of rapid technological competition. The F-47 is projected to operate well into the 21st century, shaping the future of air combat with extended reach, higher speeds, and advanced survivability features.
With production underway and flight testing now set for 2028, the F-47 program marks a pivotal step toward redefining next-generation airpower. The aircraft is expected to complement and eventually succeed today’s most advanced fighters while setting new benchmarks in range, speed, and stealth.
Photo Boeing
