![]() "There is a concern in some quarters within the Air Force that they really need the replacement much sooner," Hagin said back in '09. Replacement craft were initially planned for 2017, and there was fear that even that was not soon enough. That problem hasn't gotten any better in the seven years since, and there is no reason to believe the problem won't get worse. " few 747-200s still flying today are in freighter service or operating in small overseas airlines." Parts that are no longer in active production need to be salvaged or custom made, meaning repairs take a long time, are extremely expensive, or both. Bush, told Popular Mechanics back in 2009. "Spare parts are becoming difficult to obtain," Joe Hagin, former deputy chief of staff to George W. "Spare parts are becoming difficult to obtain" The problem with the aging jets is simpler than that: it's the keeping-them-up-in-the-air technology. Over the years, the two planes have been upgraded repeatedly to keep up with the times and to incorporate the latest communication and defense technology. The 747-200B was launched in 1971, but the pair currently serving the POTUS was first flown in 1987, four years before Boeing stopped production on the model altogether. Both are Boeing VC-25s-a specially outfitted version of the Boeing 747-200B. "Air Force One" is merely a callsign for the plane the president is currently on, but two airplanes take on this name most frequently. Option 1: Continue flying the current planes indefinitely So halting the current project because it's too expensive really only makes sense if a cheaper, more practical solution exists. Now set those numbers aside for a second, because here's the other thing: The President's plane does need to be replaced. The Government Accountability Office, meanwhile, has estimated a total cost of $3.21 billion. As Boeing has pointed out in a statement, the company is only under contract for $170 million currently, and the Air Force has earmarked $1.65 billion for the project. The presidential plane incorporates confidential communication equipment to keep the president in close contact with the outside world, as well as unique amenities such as a surgery suite.Play icon The triangle icon that indicates to play Two modified Boeing 747-200Bs have been in operation since 1990. Kennedy's administration, industrial designer Raymond Loewy collaborated with first lady Jackie Kennedy on a sky blue and cyan scheme for Air Force One. The first Lockheed Constellation was replaced by the Columbine III, followed by two 1960s-era Boeing 707s.ĭuring John F. The authorities deemed it prudent to adopt the title "Air Force One" to prevent a similar incident from occurring in the future. President Dwight Eisenhower was on the plane when air traffic controllers mistook the flight numbers of Eastern Airlines flight 8610 for those of the presidential airplane, which was known at the time as Air Force 8610. After a Lockheed Constellation dubbed Columbine II was nearly destroyed in 1953, the call sign was formed. Roosevelt to Yalta in 1945 before being used by Harry S. The C-54 Skymaster was adapted for presidential usage and carried Franklin D. In 1943, authorities expressed alarm over the president's use of commercial airlines. ![]() Seven distinct aircraft types have been developed since the 1940s for the exclusive purpose of transporting the American president. Related: Tesla Battery-Powered Plane Offers Glimpse Into A Bright Possible Future "But we are where we are, and we’re going to deliver great airplanes, and we’re going to recognize the costs associated with it," he added. According to Calhoun, Boeing's $3.9 billion deal to create two replacement airplanes for the White House in 2018 was a unique negotiation that the company should have avoided. The company stated that its 747-8 series will serve as the basis for future Air Force Ones, and Calhoun stated that he no longer wants fixed-price agreements. In April, Boeing executives said that the pandemic and supply-chain problems have also hampered production.īoeing guaranteed delivery of the aircraft by December 2024. A tweet from Boeing read, "Boeing is proud to build the next generation of Air Force One, providing American presidents with a flying White House at outstanding value to taxpayers." Meanwhile, Boeing sued a subcontractor last year for causing delays. At the time, Boeing was likewise pleased with the contract.
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