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Trump Wanted a Cheaper Air Force One. So the USAF Is Buying a Bankrupt Russian Firm’s Undelivered 747s
President Donald Trump said the projected cost of new Air Force One aircraft was too high, so the U.S. Air Force found a way to lower it: by buying a pair of Boeing 747 jetliners abandoned by a bankrupt Russian airline. (www.govexec.com) Más...Sort type: [Top] [Newest]
Used to work for Boeing, Seattle. I noted while there that the plane stays in the U.S. until after the bank cashier's check is received in hand. Since unable to pay, these planes have never left the country.
I don't see how the Government would be "WASTING" money. AIR FORCE ONE needs an upgrade and new jets.....as long as the Government can pay for these planes, how is it a "WASTE of $$$"?????
The words, "Bankrupt Russian Firm's" catch the eye but actually that's totally irrelevant. It's the word "Undelivered" that matters. So, ownership legalities and aircraft condition all being well, the USAF have been clever. That leaves the dangling question though about how long will it be before Air Force One will have to move on from 747s - and to what?
If 787 had four engines, it had better comfort (cabin pressure/humidity). But for reliability (and even cruise speed), there is nothing like 747-8.
The military has lots of 4 engined transports that could be adapted. Maybe I don't understand the engineering but pick one with the needed cubic feet of space and adapt it from there. If it's to be built there isn't much that can't be added or taken out including needed pressurization throughout. A custom design/build is always an option but is probably the most expensive. All things considered, Boeing will always have the ability to build the 747 as custom pieces. Even now they are planning to shut down the "assembly line" for the 747 series. No doubt something(s) will come along to change the thinking and design just like when they retired the 707, but don't think they threw away the plans.
The airframe is the least of the costs, it's the "customization" that involves the really big bucks.
I'm all for anything government related where it saves money, instead of always hearing about govt wasting our money!