Niocorp Developments Ltd (NB)

[The_Gman]

Is Boeing the prime? F-47 and Vanadium (Google AI)

https://www.sfa-oxford.com/knowledge-and-insights/critical-minerals-in-low-carbon-and-future-technologies/critical-minerals-in-defence-and-national-security/f47-fighter-jet-critical-minerals-defence/

From stealth coatings and radar systems to high-thrust engines and advanced avionics, sixth-generation platforms rely on a secure and resilient supply of rare earth elements and strategic metals. Stealth aircraft like the F-47 depend on rare earth elements such as neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium, and terbium for high-performance magnets, actuators, and radar systems, along with strategic metals like titanium, tungsten, and niobium for structural strength, heat resistance, and stealth coatings.

AI Overview
The F-47 is a next-generation fighter jet currently under development, and vanadium is a critical mineral used in high-performance aerospace alloys, particularly those containing titanium. The F-47's advanced design likely incorporates vanadium to maximize structural strength, durability, and temperature resistance.

F-47 fighter jet
The F-47 is an American sixth-generation air superiority fighter being developed by Boeing as part of the U.S. Air Force's Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program.
Key characteristics include:
Performance: The F-47 is expected to have a significantly longer range, more advanced stealth, and a top speed exceeding Mach 2 when compared to fifth-generation fighters like the F-22.
Family of systems: The aircraft will serve as a central command platform, or "quarterback," for a network of uncrewed drones known as Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA).
Adaptive engines: The fighter is expected to use adaptive-cycle engines, which improve efficiency and performance by shifting between different modes of operation.
Advanced materials: Due to its advanced capabilities, the F-47 relies on critical minerals, including rare earth elements and strategic metals like titanium and vanadium, for its high-performance components.

Vanadium and aerospace
Vanadium is a vital alloying element in the aerospace industry due to the superior material properties it provides.
Common applications and properties include:
High-strength alloys: Adding vanadium to titanium creates strong, lightweight, and durable alloys like Ti-6Al-4V (6% aluminum, 4% vanadium), which is used extensively in modern aircraft frames and engines.
Temperature resistance: Vanadium improves the temperature resistance of materials, making them suitable for high-heat components such as engine bearings, which can operate at temperatures exceeding 500 °C.
Fuel efficiency: By enabling the creation of lightweight, high-strength alloys, vanadium helps reduce the overall weight of an aircraft. This weight reduction directly contributes to better fuel efficiency.
Critical supply chain: The use of vanadium in advanced defense platforms like the F-47 has raised concerns about the secure supply of critical minerals. As a result, the Pentagon is investing in a domestic supply chain for these strategic materials.