And the next Air Force One will be..........

Keeping with tradition the Air Force has selected the Boeing 747-8 to be the next jets to serve as Air Force One. The jets will be purchased in 2016 and delivered in 2018.

'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.”

www.af.mil...

leehamnews.com...

Are they going to have a grand piano on the upper deck?

Pfft they should make tbe president fly comericial.

Set a example for saving money and the enviroment.

a reply to: Sammamishman

Not that there was any doubt. Their requirements are four engines, which means 747 or A380. The A380 has problems with some airfields.

a reply to: crazyewok

That would be a sight. Put him in the coach, in the back next to the lavatories and the crying baby.

originally posted by: Sammamishman
a reply to: crazyewok

That would be a sight. Put him in the coach, in the back next to the lavatories and the crying baby.

Well at the very least will put him more in touch with the public


But on a serous note I do think giving politicians toys like this sets a bad example and does not do much favours to there likely already overbloated ego.


If emergancys happen a military transport plane would get him from A to B.

Im sure ryan air or easyjet would cut them a deal, being frequent flyers!!a reply to: crazyewok

a reply to: crazyewok

A mitary transport doesn't have the C3 links Air Force One has.

a reply to: Zaphod58

C-17 could make a sweet AF1

originally posted by: Zaphod58
a reply to: crazyewok

A mitary transport doesn't have the C3 links Air Force One has.

Maybe.


And I will say the new Airforce one looks nice.



I just think the cons out weigh the pro on giving politicians fancy toys like that.


My opinion though.

Its not my tax that will pay for it anyway. UK had a debate on giving our PM one and we decided no

a reply to: Zaphod58

Besides that Airbus is a European company... I think the US Gov wants to (if it can) provide a plane built by an American owned company.

Where does the escape pod go?!

a reply to: crazyewok

How does the PM get around?

a reply to: crazyewok

There is a lot that can't be done on a normal aircraft that can be done on Air Force One. There are C3 links, medical facilities, and more.

a reply to: MystikMushroom

They initially gave the tanker deal to Airbus, till Boeing and Congress had their say.

a reply to: Sammamishman

The 747-800 looks great with the Presidential paint scheme.

I got to see the current one up close when it was in Pittsburgh over the summer. The NASA hanger was right across the tarmac.

a reply to: Zaphod58

You mean even MORE than the movie Air Force One w/Harrison Ford showed us?!

I bet you hated that movie...

originally posted by: Sammamishman
a reply to: crazyewok

How does the PM get around?

Chartered planes I think.


To be fair I have never thought much over it, will have to look it up.

I know blair wanted a Airforce one yet way back. But we never gave it to him :p

a reply to: MystikMushroom

You have no idea.

In case of an EMP their current 747 would do better. FBW isn't that great when you suffer a complete loss of hydraulics.

originally posted by: Zaphod58
a reply to: Sammamishman

Not that there was any doubt. Their requirements are four engines, which means 747 or A380. The A380 has problems with some airfields.

Just curious, what is the problem with the A380 on some airfields? I am not trying to derail this thread but I would like to know you know :-) After all this is ATS.

Regards, Iwinder