Air Force picks Boeing 747-8 to replace Air Force One

One of the reasons for wanting four engines is to have additional electrical generating capacity for the additional equipment on board. It's not only for safety and redundancy.

The National Airborne Operational Command Center (NAOC), the E-4B is a 747-200 also and there are 4 of them still operational. I was the last PM for E-4 acquisition and those platforms have been flying since 1973-1979, depending on the modifications. Big thing is the power requirements of the mission. E-4B has a 1200KVA system.

Good choice, the best airplane ever built .

Even if the A380 had been a better aircraft all round, Airbus isn't American so it would never have been considered.

This media release from DoD will answer some of the questions posted here...



Air Force Identifies Platform for Next Air Force One

Air Force News Service

WASHINGTON, Jan. 28, 2015 — Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James, in coordination with Frank Kendall, under secretary of defense for acquisition, technology, and logistics, has determined the Boeing 747-8 will serve as the next presidential aircraft, commonly known as Air Force One, Air Force officials announced today.

"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."

Meeting a Presidential Mission

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.

The decision, made official through a Determinations and Findings document, authorizes the commercial aircraft purchase by other than full and open competition. This decision, in conjunction with the notification of the Air Force's intent to award a sole-source contract to Boeing for the modification of the 747-8, allows discussions with Boeing that will likely lead to a contract for the aircraft platform as well as the modifications necessary to missionize the aircraft.

Acquisition Strategy, Risk Reduction Work Remains

"This decision is not a contract award to procure 747-8 aircraft," said Col. Amy McCain, the Presidential Aircraft Recapitalization program manager. "We still need to finalize the overall acquisition strategy and conduct risk-reduction activities with Boeing to inform the engineering and manufacturing development contract negotiations that will define the capabilities and cost."

The Air Force wants to own enough of the technical baseline to permit competition for sustainment throughout the aircraft's planned 30-year life cycle, officials said. Competition can keep costs down, spur innovation, and provide options.

"We are committed to incorporating competition for sub-systems of the missionized aircraft as much as practicable and will participate substantively in any competitions led by the prime contractor," James said.

"The current fleet of VC-25 presidential aircraft has performed exceptionally well, a testament to the airmen who support, maintain, and fly the aircraft," James said. "Yet, it is time to upgrade. Parts obsolescence, diminishing manufacturing sources, and increased down times for maintenance are existing challenges that will increase until a new aircraft is fielded.

"The Air Force provides the president with safe and reliable air transportation with high levels of security and communication capability as the alternate airborne White House," she added. "This platform will meet the requirements necessary to provide that level of service for future presidents."

The secretary made clear affordability will be a key element of the PAR program.

"The program will use multiple strategies, such as the use of proven technologies and commercially-certified equipment, to ensure the program is as affordable as possible while still meeting mission requirements," James said. "We will insist upon program affordability through cost conscious procurement practices."

This poor horse has been whipped to death but some are still beating it with everything but the kitchen sink. Must have lots of free time on their hands!

...did I miss the competition for this one or was it not required due to the specialized mission?

Is this a pitch somehow by Boeing to keep the 747 program alive? I was hoping they would go with a 777 but having seen AF1 in the last month or so, the 747 in AF1 livery for some reason says WE ARE HERE when you see it.

Airbus didn't bid on plane but will on components

Flying the President requires special types of logistics and security.

AF1 is more that just a pravite jet, it serves many different roles in national security. When you compare commercial use of 74 -2 to flying the president, it has nothing to do price per seat and all to do multi-role missions that the aircraft offers.

Single aisle aircraft like the 75 offer neither the space or range that the current 74-200 offers or the new 74-8 will offer.

77 although a wide body aircraft does not provide the needed configuration space to meet the needs of Special Air Missions.

Even though the 74 has been around a long time it is not the same aircraft that first flew in 1969 by evidence of 74-8. Boeing engineers just keep redefining the aircraft to meet the customers needs without a totally new airframe design.

I certainly glad that when the president shows up some where in the world that he is stepping off a Boeing aircraft and not a Airbus.

I think all Boeing aircraft in any model are the best buy and most reliable to the customer in any or configuration.

What a shame this aircraft won't be ready until another President is in office...Where in the world is Obama today, anyway? I've lost track the last few days...

Excellent choice ,

Outstanding aircraft. Just ask Lufthansa.

One reference stated that the USAF plans on ordering three 747-8.

Can't wait to see it

I wonder if it'll be "VC-25B", or get a new MDS.

What do you think, time for new livery as well maybe?? Starting to look a little dated, but prob not.

The argument could go on forever on old vs. new and plenty for both sides, BUT it sounds like we are getting new ones and that Boeing will build them. Airbus did not bid and rightly so after the tanker flap. I personally think some of the egos need to stay at home. In particular, the press corp needs to find their own way. Even if they are partially paying, they take up way too much space.

Don't forget
These planes have far less cycles then commercial aircraft that fly all day everyday for revenue.
The airforce has several examples of equipment (like the B52) that they will fly for at least 50 years.
With that being said, I agree it's time for a new executive aircraft, my query is why do they need 2 examples?
Just a thought but If the need for a back up is required why not keep one of the old ones as a spare?

Wow i was hoping for the 777 but 747 is good

What happen the president ran this one past high time

Never get the smell out of the ole one

OK, do we really NEED new airplanes???? How are we paying for this with no money and $18+TN debt?

Pretty Hillarious

Minor point, but the current AF 747 fleet (AF1 & E4) both have a UARRSI and the plumbing to go with it, something I'm sure the specs required.

Boeing 747-800 series.....Best airplane ever...Buy US.....Airbus not likely..although hear on TV today plane will not be ready until 2022 !!!
Was in thre Boeing plant cool

R

Both the A380 and the 747-800 are Group VI design aircraft. There are a lot of ramifications for airport access when it comes to aircraft of this size. I am surprised they are going with this model for that reason alone. The FAA has been less inclined to approve MOS (Modification of Standards)allowing Group VI aircraft to operate at airports only approved/designed for aircraft up to Group IV or Group V standards. Here is a good article on the issue although it appears to be written some time ago (2010?)and the data is dated on the issue. http://www.boeing.com/commercial/aeromagazine/articles/2010_q3/3/
I love the fact that the Air Force is buying American for Air Force One...I really could not see the U.S. doing otherwise. Be interesting to see how this works out for them.

There's a good article at DefenseOne.com about buying a new Air Force One, along with a couple of interesting photos:

http://www.defenseone.com/politics/2015/02/buying-new-air-force-one-complicated/104220/?oref=d-mostread

It's worth a look.

747 Boeing the best for 27000

God save "the Queen"! She will always have an overwhelming presence wherever she lands.She will continue to keep her legacy alive with the new 747-8 Air Force One! BORN IN THE USA!

Well, love it or leave it, with sole source bidding, there was never a question of who, just what. Several stories here below and all of them probably have some merit.

No real choice about it as it was sole sourced, but I wonder what we'll be looking at in another 30 years down the road.

Really a duplicate; there is another post below with about 57 comments already

Any indication of what engines this new AF1 will have? GEnx?

Was there ever any question? All they need to do is hang Four 115,000 lbf thrust GE-90s off it, Beef up and jack up the MLG along with a few inboard Hellfire missile pods or better and there ya got it!

The old 4 jets vs 2 jets argument.

Know to much about airplanes to join this fray . Just for many very extended long range flights 4 four engines dont have to work as hard and they have a load with all those heavy egos on board .

THANK GOD IT'S NOT AN AIRBUS!!
(Although it'd be "pay for the course with the current administration)
I heard a Tuples was considered... LoL

The "Queen of the Skies" should represent the U.S.A.. One of the best decisions this government has made!

great news for that (y)

I have a problem with the concept of the US Head of State being airborne upon a flying White House not knowing if there is a serviceable runway to eventually land upon?

I have no doubts that if a nuclear event occurred that any poor individuals airborne at that time will have a decision to make if aware of the situation!

Tony, I second that 100%.

Because they want an airplane with a proven track record and 747-800 is the only one in it's class.

For all that he has done--get him 4 new planes. If the current frames are over 20 years old--time for new ones. I can also see the 4 Eng vs. 2 idea. Besides what is more beautiful than the Queen of the Skies....

The 2 current VC-25's used for Presidential transport are getting long in the tooth and cost more to operate and those costs continue to rise.
The first one was put into service in 1990, the second a year or so later or going on 24 years ago.
Getting 24 + years of service out of what's basically an airliner ain't bad.
I think they are the last 2 747-200's in service.
I don't think they'll do much about the paint scheme, it's a classic design, known around the world and the rest of the Special Missions fleet is based on it.

good to hear! glad they didn't go to airbus.

85 unnecessary comments...

Is a plane that big really necessary to haul King Barry's golf clubs around?

According to what I saw on a Discovery Channel program on Air Farce Won. The media does not have to pay for their seats. It is offered as a courtesy.

IF AF1 WOULD BE A C-5 MORE HEADS WILL TURN!

Nice. They need to give it a new paint scheme to go along with it.

I'm waiting (hoping) for Boeing to announce a 2 engine version of the 747. I think there is a valuable role at its pax capacity if the current engine and composite technology is applied.

(Duplicate Squawk Submitted)

Boeing 747-8 to become the new Air Force One

The Pentagon confirms that Boeing's 747-8 will become the next generation Air Force One, with the first of the highly modified jets due to fly around 2021.

http://www.ausbt.com.au/boeing-747-8-to-become-the-new-air-force-one

What's wrong with the current Air Force One 747's they can be upgraded with different engines if necessary, they have plenty of range to go nonstop to anywhere in the world, they get kid glove treatment, always hangered unless they are on a flight. Just another example of wasteful DoD spending and since they are used by just politicians and their friends, no one will question spending the hundreds of millions ( over 1 billion when everything is counted ) for a few -8 that really don't buy much.

Boringly predictable. What will they do in a decade when the 747 might just be a shadow in the past?

U.S.A.F.1. an A380 that would have made some interesting press reports!

Despite the headline above, this is not yet an order or a contract award. The Air Force was allowed to sole-source the selection and the 747 is the only American-made, four-engined aircraft suitable for modification for the mission. Now that the 747-8 has been named as the preferred choice, the negotiations with Boeing will get underway.

The e-4 does not carry the president.....
I suspect they will be around for several years to come as they had a billion dollar Reno in 2005.

why the USAF always buys old models ? they bought the last 747-200's and now when the 747-8 is nearly out of production they buy it again...

having problems holding the Hulk in the one they have now?

So let me see here--if the timing on delivery is wrong, not this President, not the next president, unless of course whoever it is gets a second term will get the new planes! Lucky them....wonder if they'll get new cars for the motorcade too.

(Duplicate Squawk Submitted)

USAF picks Boeing 747-8 as next Air Force One platform

US Air Force has choosen the improved Boeing 747-8 to replace the current fleet of two iconic Boeing 747 Air Force One presidential transport planes.

http://www.aviationanalysis.net/2015/01/usaf-picks-boeing-747-8-as-air-force-one.html