Trump’s F-47 Fighter Jet Frenzy: Why Did America’s ‘Monster’ Get Grounded?
According to webangah News Agency, last March-after years of planning-then-U.S. President Donald Trump signed a contract with aerospace giant Boeing to develop a sixth-generation fighter jet. The aircraft was designated the F-47 in reference to Trump’s status as the 47th U.S. president.
At the project’s launch, Trump claimed, “The world has never seen anything like this-our enemies won’t even see it coming.” He expressed hope the jet would take flight during his presidency.
The F-47’s staggering Costs
The $20 billion five-year contract immediately boosted Boeing’s market value by $4 billion.This followed Pentagon reluctance to collaborate with Boeing amid competition from Lockheed Martin, manufacturer of the F-22 Raptor.
Each of the planned 100 F-47 jets carries a $200 million price tag. Former U.S. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall noted the project wasn’t part of prior administration plans or included in the 2026 defense budget due to competing priorities but suggested Trump’s push signals growing military-industrial investment.
Observers doubt completion is highly likely,citing parallels with fifth-gen F-22 struggles-production halted in 2011 after brief testing due to unsustainable costs (each unit cost $369 million; hourly flight: ~$85k). Budget constraints under Obama during the global financial crisis cemented this decision.
The Air Force excluded F-47 funding from its 2026 budget despite earlier expectations for a 2024 rollout. Kendall bluntly stated: “We simply lacked funds.” Delayed critical technologies further jeopardize progress.
The Export Dilemma
Unlike export-banned F-22s, Trump claimed allies would purchase downgraded export variants of stealth-capable but technically limited versions compared those reserved for U.S.use.Kendall counters that high costs and reduced capabilities deter ally interest.
Features & Strategic Gaps
Prototypes suggest delta-winged tailless designs enhancing stealth by minimizing radar cross-section.New thermal cloaking materials may reduce heat/sound signatures evading infrared detection.An adaptive engine program could optimize fuel efficiency across flight regimes.Yet skeptics note minimal generational advances over fifth-gen counterparts.
Air Superiority at Risk?
U.S.fighters increasingly struggle against advanced Chinese/Russian air defenses like Russia’s S500 system claiming hypersonic interception at ranges exceeding380km.Linked satellite networks reportedly detect low observable aircraft via electromagnetic waves-as demonstrated when researchers tracked anF22/35 analog using SpaceX Starlink signals last November.This erosion of technological edges threatens America’s air dominance as rivals close gaps rapidly.
While Washington heavily promotes its next gen fighters many features barely surpass current capabilities.The narrowing advantage especially against designated adversaries Russia China raises prospects losing aerial supremacy sooner than anticipated.
