Tag: F-47

  • Raptor’s Revenge: Why the F-22 Isn’t Done Yet

    In an era of next-generation fighters, AI copilots, and sixth-gen dreams flying under classified designations, there’s one aircraft that still dominates the conversation—the F-22 Raptor.

    It’s been called the best air superiority fighter ever built. And for good reason.

    But now, with the announcement of the F-47—America’s next stealth fighter under the NGAD program—many are asking:
    Is it finally time to retire the Raptor?

    Not so fast.

    In my latest video, Raptor’s Revenge, I explore why the F-22 may be aging… but it’s far from obsolete. Here’s a taste of what you’ll see:

    🔥 The Fighter Everyone Still Fears

    The Raptor wasn’t just the first fifth-gen fighter—it’s still the standard. Every stealth jet that’s come since, from China’s J-20 to our own F-35, is measured against it. With its thrust-vectoring agility, long-range AIM-260 missiles, and unmatched stealth profile, the F-22 was built to win the fight before it even starts.

    🧪 The Secret Testbed for the Future

    What few realize is how deeply the Raptor has been tied into the development of what’s coming next. Beginning in the late 2010s, modified F-22s began flying classified test missions—many believe in support of NGAD’s early development. That means the F-22 didn’t just inspire the F-47… it may have built it.

    ⚠️ Cracks in the Crown

    Still, the Raptor has limits. It lacks an IRST system. Its combat range—optimized for European theaters—isn’t ideal for Pacific operations. And with fewer than 150 airworthy jets in the fleet, this apex predator is being stretched to the limit.

    So what’s next?

    🎥 Watch the Full Story: Raptor’s Revenge

    ▶️ Watch the full video here:
    [Insert Embedded YouTube Video]

    In this video, I take you through the full story—past, present, and future. From the Raptor’s reign to its role in shaping the F-47, to the real consequences of retiring it too early. This one hits hard—and I hope it leaves you thinking.

    💥 Final Thought:

    You don’t measure a fighter by its age…
    You measure it by what it can still do.

    And the Raptor?
    Still trains our best.
    Still owns the sky.
    Still hunts.

    ✉️ Want more stories like this?

    Subscribe to my free aviation newsletter, Hangar Flying with Tog, and get weekly deep dives into military aircraft history, tech, and the future of flight:
    👉 https://hangarflyingwithtog.com

    #F22 #RaptorsRevenge #NGAD #F47 #AirDominance #MilitaryAviation #PilotPhotog

  • F-47 Boeing’s new fighter jet

    Boeing Wins the NGAD Competition: Meet America’s New F-47 Fighter

    In one of the most dramatic showdowns in recent aviation history, Boeing has officially won the U.S. Air Force’s coveted Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) fighter contract. With this victory, Boeing secures a monumental $20 billion deal to build America’s newest fighter jet: the cutting-edge F-47.

    If you follow my YouTube channel, PilotPhotog, you already know the high stakes involved in the NGAD program. But for those just tuning in, let’s explore why this moment is such a game-changer—not only for Boeing but also for America’s aerospace industry as a whole.

    Why Boeing’s NGAD Win Matters

    Boeing’s win is a massive turning point. Over the past several years, Boeing faced intense challenges, including financial struggles, management shake-ups, and the infamous 737 MAX crisis. Many wondered whether the aerospace giant could recover its legendary status.

    However, Boeing’s experience in military aviation—strengthened significantly by its 1997 merger with McDonnell Douglas—played a key role in landing this prestigious contract. Boeing inherited the iconic F-15 Eagle and F/A-18 Hornet from McDonnell Douglas, granting them decades of proven combat aircraft experience and a robust defense pedigree.

    Some skeptics argue Boeing was chosen simply to balance contracts among the top three aerospace firms: Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Boeing. However, Boeing’s innovative approach, extensive defense experience, and cost-effective proposal proved decisively compelling, making them a deserving winner of the NGAD program.

    Meet the Revolutionary F-47

    The F-47 NGAD isn’t merely the next fighter jet—it’s an aviation revolution designed explicitly for modern warfare, especially tailored to operations across the Pacific theater.

    Unlike its predecessor, the legendary F-22 Raptor, which was built for Cold War-era scenarios in Europe, the F-47 is uniquely suited to face today’s challenges. It features groundbreaking technology, including the ability to operate both as a piloted fighter and a fully autonomous aircraft, a capability similar to the stealthy B-21 Raider. This flexibility drastically reduces pilot risk and provides unprecedented operational versatility.

    Moreover, the F-47 serves as the central control platform for Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), sophisticated drone wingmen that will accompany the fighter into battle. These drones handle high-risk roles such as reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and precision strikes, significantly enhancing mission effectiveness.

    Additionally, the extended operational range of the F-47 is critical for ensuring sustained air dominance over vast distances, a vital asset considering the Pacific region’s strategic importance.

    What Does the “47” Mean?

    The naming of the F-47 has sparked much debate and speculation. One popular theory is that the “47” designation is a subtle reference to the 47th President of the United States, Joe Biden, linking a major military program to presidential legacy—a practice not entirely unprecedented in aviation circles.

    Other aviation experts believe the number might reflect internal Air Force planning, sequential numbering following the F-35, or perhaps a symbolic target date for operational readiness by 2047.

    Regardless of its true meaning, the “F-47” certainly adds intrigue and historical significance to this exciting program.

    Impact on the U.S. Aerospace Industry

    With Boeing’s victory, all three major U.S. aerospace manufacturers now oversee critical defense projects:

    • Boeing: F-47 NGAD
    • Lockheed Martin: F-35 Lightning II
    • Northrop Grumman: B-21 Raider & Navy’s F/A-XX

    This distribution ensures strong competition, driving innovation and technological advancement. It helps mitigate risks associated with relying heavily on a single company and sustains thousands of skilled jobs throughout the country, further strengthening America’s global aerospace dominance.

    Final Thoughts

    Boeing’s triumph marks a pivotal chapter not just in their storied history, but also in the evolution of military aviation. The F-47 NGAD promises to change air combat forever and reaffirms America’s commitment to air superiority for decades to come.

    To hear more detailed analysis and join the conversation, check out the full video on my YouTube channel, PilotPhotog. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in military aviation!

    Keep looking to the skies!
    — Tog (PilotPhotog)