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US Air Force Selects Boeing 747-8 To Replace Air Force One

Posted by timothy on from the the-privileged-few dept.

Tyketto writes Following up on a previous story about its replacement, the US Air Force has selected the Boeing 747-8 to replace the aging Presidential fleet of two VC-25s, which are converted B747-200s. With the only other suitable aircraft being the Airbus A380, the USAF cited Boeing's 50-year history of building presidential aircraft as their reason to skip competition and opt directly for the aircraft, which due to dwindling sales and prospects, may be the last 747s to be produced.

5 of 293 comments (clear)

  1. track record by ganjadude · · Score: 4, Interesting

    which due to dwindling sales and prospects, may be the last 747s to be produced.

    the 747 has been around forever, with many upgrades over that time. it has a proven track record. Now, generally im against no bid contracts, but this one makes sense.

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    1. Re:track record by ganjadude · · Score: 5, Interesting

      why would you think it will be their last plane? the article notes that the 747 and the airbus are the only 2 quad engine planes available at this point in time. the replacement planes are intended to last 30+ years, as such why dont you think boeing will be able to compete again in 30 years??

      And yes, because america, I think the president should rock american made transportation, and if the 747 is the only american made option, so be it

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    2. Re:track record by Richard_at_work · · Score: 4, Interesting

      Also, Airbus refused to submit a proposal for this when approached several years ago (while there was no bidding process, basic proposals were requested from both Airbus and Boeing) because they knew it was a no contest decision.

    3. Re:track record by Solandri · · Score: 4, Interesting

      If the two-engine planes are such a risk, how the hell have they got air safety certificates?

      Because the certification for twin-engine planes only looks at engine reliability and environmental factors like rain and hail. It doesn't consider being shot at with missiles and small arms fire, which is a required safety criteria for Air Force One.

  2. Not going to disappear quickly.... by outlander · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Even if Boeing stopped building 747 variants tomorrow, they'd be around for ages. They're the mainstay for long-haul travel, and dwindling sales probably are more related to market saturation - as in, there are enough in the air now to meet current demand - than any inherent shortcoming in the design.

    I suspect that there are more refinements to come - it's just too useful an airframe to discard. It may take Boeing a bit to roll in some of the working dreamliner tech but it seems reasonable that they'd try to do that when time and demand permit.

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