Posted on 11/18/2016 11:40:53 AM PST by RummyChick
The Air Force One Boeing 747-200, which has been used to carry the President of the United States for the last 70 years, is reaching the its life expectancy next year, but the White House is yet to find replacements.
Although the jets can and have been driven safely in their old ages before - which is usually after 30 years - the US Air Force do not want to "take chances" with the President's safety.
Kevin Buckley, program executive officer of mobility programs at the US Air Force, said: “We grit our teeth and bear it in the US Air Force.”
(Excerpt) Read more at express.co.uk ...
“The car’s in good shape” says Obama.
Sure, and riddled with bugs.
Wasn’t is after Reagan that new 747’s were put into service for POTUS?
I think this may be a Tabloid mag in the UK
Very cool. I had no idea the Reagan Library housed a 747!
Thanks for the link.
Is the Air Force saying their airplane is safe enough for Barack Hussein, but they don’t want to take the risk with a real president?
Makes sense to me.
He’s hauled around by who ever is hauling him around. And then that craft is designated 1. His helicopter is Marine 1. He could be flown by Southwest if he wants, and then it would be Southwest 1.
From Wikipedia:
The current 747-200B aircraft are aging and have become less cost-effective to operate. The USAF Air Mobility Command investigated possible replacements, with early press coverage suggesting that the USAF would consider the Boeing 747-8 and the Airbus A380.[12] On January 7, 2009, Air Force Materiel Command issued a new Sources Sought notice for a replacement aircraft to enter service by 2017 with an additional two aircraft to follow in 2019 and 2021.[13] On 28 January 2009, EADS North America confirmed the company would not respond to the US Air Force notice, as assembling only three airplanes in the US would not make financial sense.[14] This made Boeing the only aircraft manufacturer interested in supplying the replacement aircraft,[15] and was reported to be exploring a 787 option also.[16] On 28 January 2015, the Air Force announced the selection of the Boeing 747-8 to replace the aging VC-25A for presidential transport.[17][18]
On 10 May 2016, the Air Force posted online an amendment to its Air Force One contract authorizing Boeing to begin preliminary design activities. However, the latest version of the contract synopsis confirmed that the government will buy just two modified 747-8 aircraft; Boeing was awarded a contract in January 2016 to identify cost reduction opportunities in areas including maintenance, aerial refueling and communications.[19][20] On 15 July 2016 Boeing received a second tranche of pre-engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) risk-reduction funding to address “system specification, the environmental control system, the aircraft interior, the electrical and power system and sustainment and maintenance approaches.” The contract notice confirms that this will lead to “a lower-risk EMD program and lower life-cycle costs.”[21]
Journalist does in no way mean smart... ;)
Plus he, along with big foot, has thoroughly polluted it from stem to stern. Scrap It and get a new one.
According to Wikipedia: "The 747-100 was the original variant launched in 1966. The 747-200 soon followed, with its launch in 1968."
Typo? 70 years old?
Wow, the same 747 been used to carry Presidents since 1946. Must have been a very early prototype.
Maybe he should fly around in a B-52 instead.
Wow, am I late to the party or what?
Actually my BIL does and I dont think it is :)
The only good part about going up in it for me was landing.
Kept waiting to die in a Cessna when i saw the Grand Canyon too.
Kept thinking it took millions of years to create and will take 10 seconds for me to die in it.
Better to just to donate a new one rather than take the risk that the sqbotGed part is found during the inspect
Maybe a Brit will chime in...this may be a tabloid magazine. But this thread will provide some comical responses about the 70 year bit.
Possibly a good sign? Maybe intended to make sure PDJT is fully protected....whereas the other guy....eh.
More than just electronics on that flying fortress!
Kinda like taking back a rental property after less than the best tenants? Spiff it up for the next family.
KYPD
I hold Zero directly accountable for all his appointee’s and staff. The whole lot is scum.
Maybe that's in jet-years.
I thought I heard that ANY plane the president flies on is considered “Air Force One”. That there doesn’t necessarily need to be any specifically designated Air Force One.
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