Defense & Aerospace Air Power Podcast [Mar 27, 25] Season 3 E12: The Secret History
Mar 26, 2025
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Frank Kendall, former Air Force secretary who spearheaded the Aerospace Innovation Initiative, and Andrew Hunter, a former Air Force acquisition executive, dive into the fascinating backstory of Boeing's F-47. They discuss how the program differs from the F-22 and the reasons behind the recent pause of the Next Generation Air Dominance initiative. Key budget priorities and the competitive landscape between Boeing and Lockheed Martin are explored, along with insights into the evolution of military aviation and the importance of training for advanced aircraft.
The decision to award Boeing the NGAD contract over Lockheed Martin illustrates a strategic shift towards innovation in air dominance.
Budget constraints pose significant challenges for the NGAD program, necessitating careful prioritization of investments amidst evolving defense needs.
The NGAD initiative emphasizes a family of systems approach, integrating manned and unmanned assets to enhance operational effectiveness in aerial combat.
Deep dives
Significance of the NGAD Program
The Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program represents a revolutionary shift in air power strategy, moving beyond traditional fighter concepts. Initially called the Aerospace Innovation Initiative, the program aims to develop a sixth-generation tactical aircraft by exploring various technological advancements and design possibilities. The award of the manned fighter component to Boeing over Lockheed Martin underscores the Air Force's commitment to innovation and adaptability in response to evolving threats. This decision not only signals a change in industry dynamics but also reflects a strategic pivot towards integrating advanced capabilities in aerial combat.
Budget and Resource Allocation Challenges
Budget constraints have been a significant factor in shaping the NGAD program, affecting decisions around funding and resource prioritization. Former Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall highlighted the need for over $20 billion in the five-year plan focused on research and development of NGAD, which created challenges in affordability. The Air Force must balance its investments in NGAD with other critical capabilities, including counter-space initiatives and base defense systems. The complexity of managing the aging fleet and meeting operational demands complicates the financial landscape for maintaining existing aircraft while introducing new platforms.
Architecture and Collaborative Combat Systems
A core feature of the NGAD initiative is its commitment to a family of systems approach, integrating multiple platforms and capabilities in future combat scenarios. The architecture being developed allows the F-47 to operate alongside collaborative combat aircraft, utilizing sensors and communications systems that enhance situational awareness and responsiveness. This interconnectivity is not only vital for combining manned and unmanned assets but also fosters a network-first approach to air dominance, maximizing operational effectiveness. The ability to seamlessly integrate with naval forces further underscores the program's intention to unify various military capabilities.
Past Performance and Competitiveness
The selection of Boeing for the NGAD program raised questions about the role of past performance in the decision-making process, especially given Boeing's recent challenges with delays and budget overruns in other programs. While both Boeing and Lockheed Martin presented viable designs, the assessment process placed significant weight on the innovative approaches and technological advancements proposed by the competitors. Despite Boeing's recent hurdles, the competitive landscape now encourages more diverse contributions from various contractors, enhancing the potential for innovative solutions in defense aviation. This new dynamic allows for fresh competition to emerge, which is essential for fostering advancements in military capabilities.
Strategic Considerations Moving Forward
Future directions for the NGAD program hinge on strategic clarity from the U.S. administration regarding defense priorities in the face of evolving threats. There is a concern that ongoing debates about funding allocations could sideline crucial technologies such as the Block 4 upgrade for the F-35, impacting overall force readiness. As the Air Force navigates its budgetary landscape, it must safeguard investments in advanced capabilities while ensuring that platforms like the F-47 are aligned with the national defense strategy. The outcome of these considerations will significantly shape the future of U.S. air power and its ability to maintain superiority against formidable adversaries.
The Secret History: The big news of the week, the month, and perhaps the decade so far is Boeing’s F-47. We get its backstory today with two men who made the program happen – former Air Force secretary Frank Kendall and former Air Force acquisition executive Andrew Hunter. How does NGAD differ from F-22? What were the higher budget priorities that led to the NGAD pause? Was Boeing’s win winner-take-all? (No!) And lots more. Plus other airpower headlines. All powered by GE!
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