Flight tests of the new American F-47 fighter jet, which Boeing is developing under the NGAD program, are expected to take place in 2028, according to the magazine Krylia Voyni (Wings of War).
The Pentagon has requested $5 billion for next year to accelerate development of the new fighter jet, in addition to the $3.4 billion already allocated. This program is considered a priority.
However, development of the next-generation F/A-XX naval fighter jet project has stalled. Only $140 million has been allocated to the aircraft, instead of the anticipated $1.7 billion. Washington fears that the industry will not be able to sustain two complex projects of this scale.
The F-47 fighter jet was supposed to replace the F-22 aircraft, but it has now been decided to operate them together, with the latter being integrated with attached drones.
It is reported that the prototypes of the NGAD program have been undergoing testing for seven years, and those aircraft have flown for hundreds of hours, but they have not appeared anywhere during this period, indicating a high level of secrecy.
The Air Force plans to purchase at least 185 aircraft, with each aircraft potentially costing up to $300 million.
