747-8 selected as platform for next Air Force 1

[markis10]

WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James, in coordination with the Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Frank Kendall, has determined the Boeing 747-8 will serve as the next presidential aircraft, commonly known as Air Force One.


“The presidential aircraft is one of the most visible symbols of the United States of America and the office of the president of the United States,” James said. “The Boeing 747-8 is the only aircraft manufactured in the United States (that), when fully missionized, meets the necessary capabilities established to execute the presidential support mission, while reflecting the office of the president of the United States of America consistent with the national public interest.”


Analyses of the capability requirements conclude a four-engine, wide-body aircraft is required to meet the needs of the Air Force One mission. Market research determined there are two four-engine platforms that could meet the requirements; the 747-8 manufactured by Boeing in the state of Washington, and the A380 manufactured by Airbus in Toulouse, France.

http://www.af.mil/News/ArticleDispl...ng-747-8-platform-for-next-air-force-one.aspx

 

[opusman]

Amusing that they pretend there was even a chance of selecting something other than Boeing.

 

[eric2011]

I'm sure the stuff would hit the fan if they choose Airbus

 

[sjd]

Love the use description of the aircraft needing modifications to "missionize" it. Complete misuse of the word, to missionize actually means to carry out missionary work. So I wonder which heathens this version of AF1 is off to convert?

 

[sjd]

Actually the article is full of this cacography. They refer to the aircraft being fielded, which I sure refers to baseball rather than cricket.

 

[Flying Fox]

There are currently two aircraft in the fleet of B747-200s.

Any word on how many replacement aircraft are being acquired?

 

[JessicaTam]

There are currently two aircraft in the fleet of B747-200s.

Any word on how many replacement aircraft are being acquired?

I didn't realise they weren't -400s.

I would suggest it would be politically unwise to do anything other than a two for two replacement. But I guess they will look at how many flying hours are expected and work from there.

 

[UP4014]

Nothing less than expected. The decision maker would be risking unemployment to choose anything other than the 747.

Matt

 

[samh004]

Hopefully this choice helps Boeing sell a few more. Would love to see the 748i taken seriously.

 

[docjames]

It will undoubtably be signed off by the outgoing president (leaving the incoming free from any flak about the deal).

 

[Himeno]

I didn't realise they weren't -400s.

The current 2 VC-25A's (tail numbers 28000 and 29000) are based off the 747-200B and were delivered in 1990. They replaced a pair of VC-137Cs (based on the 707).

It was always going to be a Boeing. I thought the only question was if it would be 747-8's or 777X's.
I heard that they were looking at getting 3 aircraft.

 

[codash1099]

Missionized?????

 

[dougieboy]

Watching USA cable TV news this evening and apparently the 748 aircraft will be undergoing testing for 5 years before being put into active service as presidential air force one.