Archive · 21 Jun 2025
US Fighter Jet F-47: Naming Explained
The US is building a new fighter jet called the F-47.
When the President announced this, people thought it was because he was the 47th president.
It turns out, the name comes from an old fighter plane from World War II called the P-47 Thunderbolt, also known as the 'Jug'.
The Air Force uses a system for naming planes, but it wasn't clear exactly why 'F-47' was chosen.
The Air Force seemed a bit surprised when the president revealed the name, possibly because they were still figuring things out.
President Trump announced the development of the F-47, a sixth-generation fighter jet.
The name 'F-47' sparked speculation it honored Trump, the 47th U.S. President.
The U.S. military's naming system uses letters and numbers to identify aircraft missions.
The 'F-47' likely references the WWII P-47 Thunderbolt, nicknamed 'Jug'.
Air Force officials were seemingly unprepared for the announcement of the F-47's name.
- Who
- U.S. President Donald Trump and Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth.
- What
- The U.S. announced the development of a sixth-generation fighter jet named F-47.
- When
- The announcement was made on March 21, 2025.
- Where
- The announcement was made from the Oval Office.
- Why
- The name 'F-47' may reference a WWII aircraft, the P-47 Thunderbolt.
Initial Speculation
Air Force's Stance
Meaning of the Name
Initial Speculation
Many initially thought the F-47 honored President Trump.
Air Force's Stance
The Air Force states the name has historical roots in WWII.
- Fighter Jet Name
- F-47
- Announcement Date
- March 21, 2025
- Announced By
- President Donald Trump
- Secretary of Defence
- Pete Hegseth
- Previous Aircraft
- F-22