Defense & Aerospace Report Defense & Aerospace Air Power Podcast [Mar 27, 25] Season 3 E12: The Secret History
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Mar 26, 2025 
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.
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NGAD's Initial Vision
- NGAD wasn't designed as a traditional fighter from the start.
- Secretary Kendall envisioned different solutions beyond conventional fighter designs.
Early Demonstrators' Purpose
- Early NGAD demonstrators focused on proving specific capabilities, not full tactical designs.
- These X-planes, built by multiple companies, tested key technologies, not production prototypes.
F-47's Role
- The F-47 isn't just an F-22 replacement, but a penetrating quarterback.
- It controls the battlespace and manages uncrewed aircraft, expanding its role beyond air superiority.