NGAP

TECHNICAL DEFINITION

The Next Generation Air Dominance Program (NGAP) is a United States Air Force (USAF) initiative focused on developing a comprehensive 'system-of-systems' for future air superiority, encompassing a manned Penetrating Counter-Air (PCA) platform, uncrewed Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), advanced sensors, battle management, and stealth technologies, designed to operate in highly contested environments against peer adversaries.

BACKGROUND

The Boeing F-47 is a planned American air superiority fighter aircraft under development by Boeing for the United States Air Force (USAF) under the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program. It is designed to be the first U.S. sixth-generation fighter and the successor to the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor. Air Force leaders have said they intend to buy "185-plus" F-47s, which are to have a combat radius of more than 1,000 nautical miles and a top speed above Mach 2. On 21 March 2025, the Department of the Air Force announced it had awarded Boeing the engineering and manufacturing development contract for the NGAD Platform (F-47).

SYNONYMS & ALIASES

• Next-Gen Air Dominance
• NGAD
• Sixth-Gen Fighter
• Penetrating Counter-Air
• F-X (future fighter)

USAGE NOTE

NGAP is a highly classified, multi-faceted program often discussed in the context of future air combat, multi-domain operations, and peer competition.

DEVELOPERS

Organizations developing technology related to NGAP.

• US Air Force

  The primary customer and lead agency for the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program, which encompasses the development of a family of systems including manned and unmanned platforms, advanced weapons, and sensors.

• Lockheed Martin

  A major defense contractor, highly anticipated to be a prime developer for components of the NGAD program, leveraging its extensive experience in advanced fighter jet design and manufacturing through its Skunk Works division.

• Boeing

  A leading aerospace and defense company, expected to be a key competitor and developer for the NGAD program, contributing its expertise in military aircraft design, systems integration, and advanced manufacturing.

• Northrop Grumman

  Known for its stealth aircraft and advanced aerospace systems, Northrop Grumman is a strong contender for developing core platforms and technologies within the NGAD ecosystem, including next-generation sensors and airframes.

• General Electric Aerospace

  A key developer of advanced propulsion systems, GE Aerospace is actively working on next-generation adaptive engines vital for the performance requirements of NGAD platforms.

• Pratt & Whitney (RTX)

  Another major provider of advanced military aircraft engines, Pratt & Whitney is developing cutting-edge propulsion technologies, including adaptive engine concepts, crucial for the NGAD program.

• DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency)

  DARPA funds foundational and exploratory research in areas like advanced materials, autonomy, and artificial intelligence, which are critical technological pillars for the Next Generation Air Dominance capabilities.