Unforeseen Proposals Raise Eyebrows and Engineering Questions
In what many are calling another shock to the defense industry, President Donald Trump recently floated the idea of developing a twin-engine version of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter—dubbed the F-55—and an upgraded “F-22 Super.” While these concepts appear to stem from Trump’s penchant for bold, unexpected statements, defense experts and analysts quickly expressed skepticism about their feasibility and strategic sense.
A Twist in the Aircraft Development Narrative?
Former Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall voiced confusion, describing Trump’s comments as “mystifying,” and emphasized the immense engineering challenges associated with such ambitious projects. Analysts pointed out that creating a twin-engine F-35 from scratch would essentially amount to designing a new aircraft, akin to a clean-sheet development—an idea that would require enormous resources and time.
“Kendall told Breaking Defense, ‘A two-engine version of the F-35 would be virtually a complete redesign. It’s an option that was never presented or considered, to my knowledge.’” Critics also questioned the logic of investing heavily in an upgraded twin-engine F-35 when plans for the F-47—an entirely different aircraft designed to fill similar roles—are already underway.
Engineering Challenges: Redesigning the F-35
Experts highlighted that transforming the F-35 into a twin-engine fighter would be akin to reworking the entire aircraft. “It stops being an F-35,” said J.J. Gertler of the Teal Group. “You’d need a new airframe, stronger structures, and reconfigured stealth shaping—all while trying to preserve radar-absorbing qualities. It’s like turning a bungalow into a mansion.”
Lockheed Martin CEO Jim Taiclet already promotes an “F-35 Block 4” modernization and a “Fifth-Gen Plus” version, claiming it could have 80% of the capabilities of the upcoming F-47 at half the cost. But the idea of an F-55, with twin engines and advanced features, appears far removed from current plans and technological realities.
Trump’s Concerns About Engines and Stealth
Throughout his remarks during a Qatar business roundtable, Trump expressed a preference for twin engines, citing reliability concerns. “I don’t like single engines… On occasion, an engine can fail, and it’s nice to have more,” he said, referencing large aircraft like the Boeing 747. He also voiced skepticism about stealth technology’s longevity, suggesting that stealth is primarily shape-based and can be easily copied—underlining his preference for more resilient, twin-engine designs.
Feasibility and Practicality: Experts Doubt the Dream
Defense analysts unanimously doubted the viability of Trump’s proposals. Richard Aboulafia quipped that the idea of a twin-engine F-35 “is mostly a playful drawing,” emphasizing that it would require a structural overhaul comparable to designing a new aircraft altogether.
Given that the F-47 is already slated to be the Pentagon’s sixth-generation fighter, adding a twin-engine version of the F-35 could make it as large and expensive as that entirely new aircraft platform. Gertler pointed out that integrating a second engine would necessitate major structural changes, including the wings, tails, and intakes—a daunting engineering puzzle.
Stealth and Future Strategies
Retaining stealth capabilities would be another significant hurdle. “Adding a major change like an engine would impact the aircraft’s low observable features,” said Stacie Pettyjohn of the Center for a New American Security. “The entire shaping might need to be reworked, which is costly and complex.”
While the White House and Lockheed Martin declined to comment substantively, some see Trump’s remarks as a sign of continued support and potential future upgrades—although the technical realities remain formidable.
Industry Expert’s Take: Reality Check
Richard Aboulafia closed with a blunt assessment: “Anyone investing in this based on Trump’s comments alone should sell their shares immediately. These proposals are a fantasy—impossible to execute without vast resources.” His skepticism underscores that, despite political posturing, advanced aircraft development remains a highly complex and costly endeavor—not easily transformed by presidential pronouncements.
In summary, Trump’s announced plans for an F-55 twin-engine fighter and the “F-22 Super” appear to be more political gestures than grounded technological blueprints. Defense experts agree that real-world engineering, budget constraints, and existing modernization plans make such projects unlikely—yet they underscore the ongoing debates over future air combat capabilities.
