EP176: Sixth-Gen Showdown: Can Boeing’s F-47 Outsmart China’s Hypersonic J-XX?

Summary:

In this episode, we extensively cover Boeing's successful bid for the U.S. Air Force's Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) fighter jet contract, leading to the development of the F-47, a sixth-generation aircraft. We detail the technological advancements expected in this new fighter, including enhanced stealth, artificial intelligence integration, advanced sensor fusion, and directed energy weapons. Furthermore, we examine the global context of sixth-generation fighter development, comparing the F-47 to similar programs in China, Russia, and Europe. Finally, the implications of Boeing's victory are analyzed, considering its impact on the defense industry, the military balance, and the future of air power.