US’ first sixth-gen fighter jet could fly with less powerful engine, claims report

The U.S. Air Force may power early F-47s with an interim engine if the NGAP adaptive-cycle engine is delayed.

Later F-47 production lots could switch to the new engine, with retrofit options for aircraft already delivered.

The phased approach would help avoid slowing the NGAD program while propulsion testing continues.

It could get the F-47 into service sooner, but full sixth-generation performance may be limited at first.