Boeing Phantom Works - FA/XX

F/A-XX program

Multi-role Fighter Attack combat aircraft development program by the United States Navy
F/A-XX is a development and acquisition program for a future sixth-generation strike fighter to replace the United States Navy's F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and complement the F-35C beginning in the 2030s. A requirement was first identified in June 2008. The F/A-XX is the crewed combat aircraft component and centrepiece of the Navy's Next Generation Air Dominance family of systems.

Although identically named and sharing some technology developments, this program is distinct from the U.S. Air Force's NGAD sixth-generation fighter program. Boeing was awarded the development contract for the F/A-XX in September 2026, beating Northrop Grumman and securing prime contractor status for both of America's 6th-generation fighters, along with the F-47 for the United States Air Force .

This design is a single seat Fighter Attack (FA) design that features a fixed, rhombohedral shaped jet intake combined with a serpentine intake ducts like the F22 Raptor. It allows for speeds just north of Mach 2.4 without the need for a variable geometry inlet to prevent shock wave ingestion. It has multiple EOTS AND IRST sensors integrated flush in the fuselage, (two front facing sensors house multiple sensor suits) alongside wing and side integrated radar units which allows the frontal area to remain smaller for a lower drag coefficient to gain higher speeds in super-cruise mode.

The jet integrates two all new revolutionary Pratt & Whitney F125 variable cycle engines (loosely based of the Pratt & Whitney F119) each capable of 45.000 pounds of thrust. For extra stealth capabilities and the reduction of IR detection the nozzles feature a revolutionary internal flap design that serves 4 exhaust exits. Allowing for 2D thrust vectoring without any external moving parts, which in turn reduces the overall detectability of the platform.

HDRI image Credits to DreamCatcherHDRI (https://www.artstation.com/dreamcatcherhdri)