USAF Seeks Air Force One Replacement

[Matt Collins]

"The United States Air Force has taken the first public step in the search for a replacement of the Boeing VC-25 (http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2009/01/09/320824/usaf-starts-public-search-for-air-force-one-replacement.html), also known as Air Force One, saying it is no longer cost effective to operate and modernize the two 19-year-old VC-25s, which are converted Boeing 747-200s. Airbus has already submitted data for the A380, and while Boeing has had the Air Force One contract for nearly 50 years, delays with the Boeing 787 Dreamliner (http://tech.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=08/04/13/0033207&tid=270) and Boeing 747-8 (http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/boeingaerospace/2008393300_boedelays15.html?syndication=rss), as well as the KC-X Tanker competition (http://www.bizjournals.com/sanantonio/stories/2008/03/10/daily17.html?ana=from_rss), may see the USAF looking to Europe for its next presidential aircraft."

[M House]

Haha the 747 is not cost effective enough so they want to replace it with something bigger? Seriously somebody just needs to give the president a shiny new turboprop fleet after selling those 2 747 hulls.

[nobody's_hero]

They should just buy a garbage truck.

[heavenlyboy34]

They should just buy a garbage truck.

Can garbage trucks fly overseas? :eek:

[nobody's_hero]

Can garbage trucks fly overseas? :eek:

No, but they're great for hauling worthless shit around.

[Danke]

What?!?! After they spent all that money modifying the current Air Force One for Obama?

http://www.hogrockcafe.com/obama%27s_air_force_one.htm

[Kludge]

Hope it runs on ethanol. That'll show those Chinese bastards!

[HOLLYWOOD]

A380 Airbus = 873 passengers and a crew of 20

Yes, once again, American government excesses and waste. Yes, give it to the Europeans in secret favor of keeping the dollar as the international currency!

Heck Airbus is projected to have a $5 BILLION loss on the A380 by 2010. Don't worry, the US will spin it as a coalition aircraft serving all and the GWOT. Also they'll fabricate and install AMERICAN MADE toilet paper. :rolleyes:

Don't forget, EVERYTIME the president wants to "SHOWBOAT" overseas.2 Air Force One's must fly, in conjunction with 3 USAF C-17's, Escort Fighter Aircraft dispatched from respective locations/regions, USAF KC-10 refueling tankers, PLUS, all the Lead SITE SURVEY, SECURITY PARTIES, EOD, Snipers, Secret Service, Military, etc.

Think about the Carbon Footprint and cost of thousands of support personnel, fuels, aircraft for the Command in Cheif to want to Sabre Rattle, Show of Power, or just to shake a few hands and photo ops.

I guess American Encrypted Teleconferencing in high definition is just too difficult?

What a frigin WASTE!


The A380's upper deck extends along almost the entire length of the fuselage (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuselage), and its width is equivalent to that of a widebody aircraft. This allows for a cabin with 50% more floor space than the next-largest airliner, the Boeing 747-400 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_747-400).[4] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airbus_A380#cite_note-a380_figures-3) and provides seating for 525 people in standard three-class (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Travel_class) configuration[5] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airbus_A380#cite_note-a380_specs-4)[6] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airbus_A380#cite_note-555_to_525-5) or up to 853 people in all economy class (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economy_class) configurations.[7] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airbus_A380#cite_note-6) The A380 is offered in passenger and freighter versions. The A380-800, the passenger model, is the largest passenger airliner in the world, but has a shorter fuselage than the Airbus A340-600 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airbus_A340#A340-600), which is Airbus's next-biggest passenger aeroplane. The A380-800F, the freighter model, is offered as one of the largest freight aircraft (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freight_aircraft), with a listed payload capacity exceeded only by the Antonov An-225 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antonov_An-225).[8] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airbus_A380#cite_note-a380f_specs-7) The A380-800 has a design range of 15,200 kilometres (8,200 nmi (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nautical_miles)), sufficient to fly from Boston (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston) to Hong Kong (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hong_Kong) for example, and a cruising speed of Mach (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mach_number) 0.85 (about 900 km/h or 560 mph at cruising altitude).[5] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airbus_A380#cite_note-a380_specs-4) It is the first commercial jet capable of using GTL-based fuel (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gas_to_liquids).





"The United States Air Force has taken the first public step in the search for a replacement of the Boeing VC-25 (http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2009/01/09/320824/usaf-starts-public-search-for-air-force-one-replacement.html), also known as Air Force One, saying it is no longer cost effective to operate and modernize the two 19-year-old VC-25s, which are converted Boeing 747-200s. Airbus has already submitted data for the A380, and while Boeing has had the Air Force One contract for nearly 50 years, delays with the Boeing 787 Dreamliner (http://tech.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=08/04/13/0033207&tid=270) and Boeing 747-8 (http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/boeingaerospace/2008393300_boedelays15.html?syndication=rss), as well as the KC-X Tanker competition (http://www.bizjournals.com/sanantonio/stories/2008/03/10/daily17.html?ana=from_rss), may see the USAF looking to Europe for its next presidential aircraft."

[ihsv]

http://www.ronpaulky.org/conair.jpg

[M House]

Well before you argue for Boeing it's pretty much an international aircraft as well. Alot of for example the 787 parts are Japanese and French.

[Zippyjuan]

I don't recall the exact details but I do remember a recent bid which Boeing was competing with Airbus for some planes and it was determined that the Airbus planes would have actually used more US labor and parts than the Boeing ones. With such complex international trade these days, you cannot look at a name and say for certain where most of their parts and labor come from.

[Matt Collins]

Don't forget, EVERYTIME the president wants to "SHOWBOAT" overseas.2 Air Force One's must fly, in conjunction with 3 USAF C-17's, Escort Fighter Aircraft dispatched from respective locations/regions, USAF KC-10 refueling tankers, PLUS, all the Lead SITE SURVEY, SECURITY PARTIES, EOD, Snipers, Secret Service, Military, etc.So that's part of the thing regardless of whether it's President Bush, Clinton, Regan, Obama, or even President Paul.


When our leader travels he needs to be safe, comfortable, and quick. Even though I am a highly uptight and fiscal conservative / libertarian I have no problems with necessary expenditures such as what you have mentioned for the President's travel.

He, whomever "he" might be, IS the President, and one of the benefits of the Office is the ability to travel as needed.


Think about the Carbon FootprintWho cares? This means nothing :rolleyes:

[Zippyjuan]

There are at least two Air Force One's. They only call the one the president is actually on Air Force One though. Looks like they are just taking bids now on a new plane and the replacement is not expected to start service until 2017. The ones they are using now were ordered up under Reagan.

[devil21]

NatGeo is airing an exclusive access to Air Force One show on Jan 25. Seems kinda weird to do that then promptly replace them.

I think this will serve Obama nicely:
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1419/1245165207_7dda957fec.jpg?v=0

[HOLLYWOOD]

So that's part of the thing regardless of whether it's President Bush, Clinton, Regan, Obama, or even President Paul.


When our leader travels he needs to be safe, comfortable, and quick. Even though I am a highly uptight and fiscal conservative / libertarian I have no problems with necessary expenditures such as what you have mentioned for the President's travel.

He, whomever "he" might be, IS the President, and one of the benefits of the Office is the ability to travel as needed.

Who cares? This means nothing :rolleyes:

It's a Complete waste period! Whether you agree with Carbon Footprint nonsense or not... the planet can do without the UNNECESSARY Pollutions/Wastes/Costs, and take a look at exactly what the overall Presidential flying situation is about. It means PLENTY!

How many other countries BLOW all these resources for a trip? Kinda gives you a inkling to THINK about why this has to be done... maybe before typing?

I betcha Ron Paul wouldn't be wasting this "POWER GIMMICK" by flying all around the world, especially just for show and tours. Then again, some presidents have never been out of North America!

Have you ever seen the accounting numbers and the associated graft and for the Presidential flight machines? It's been posted before here on RPF... I'm sure your smart enough to find them.

Air Force One, Two, etc are a complete waste. If you didn't have blowback from terrorizing the world and building an Empire... you would never need the BILLIONS for this CRAP every year!

Who cares? I do, because I know this is just JOKE & wasteful EGO program as well...

A billion here, a billion there... it all adds up each year.

Oh, and if you think this is all that flies, wrong there's a lot more... quick? AF1 is probably as quick as boarding any commercial airline and that's going through TSA lines too!

The other posters have it right... CON*AIR, Cessna, Pipers, are more appropriate.


Talk about Carbon Footprint!

Who cares? This means nothing :rolleyes:Yeah, when Obama / Biden & company, or your local state, comes up with another GIMMICK to tax you by slapping a Carbonfoot/Pollution Index on your A$$... you can then go cry "Who Cares!" :rolleyes:

[nobody's_hero]

The other posters have it right... CON*AIR, Cessna, Pipers, are more appropriate.


You forgot the garbage truck.

[acptulsa]

When our leader travels he needs to be safe, comfortable, and quick. Even though I am a highly uptight and fiscal conservative / libertarian I have no problems with necessary expenditures such as what you have mentioned for the President's travel.

And he needs to take a lot of support staff with him. But he does not need to take half the nation's press with him. They can buy tickets. The only ones who ride AF1 are the ass-kissers anyway.

He also doesn't need a hot tub at thirty thousand feet.

And while Airbus and Boeing may use x and y percentage of parts made here or there, where are the designers and engineers? Can we at least avoid exporting our white collar jobs--and with them, our expertise? Never mind the matter of pride. Cadillac builds an armored truck that just looks vaugely like one of their sedans just so we don't have to suffer the indignity to our national pride of having our POTUS show up in a Rolls Royce. Seems to me pulling that Suburban disguised as a Deville out of an Aribus kind of spoils the effect...

[wizardwatson]

No, but they're great for hauling worthless shit around.

Ba-dum Bump. :D

[JohnMeridith]

So that's part of the thing regardless of whether it's President Bush, Clinton, Regan, Obama, or even President Paul.


When our leader travels he needs to be safe, comfortable, and quick. Even though I am a highly uptight and fiscal conservative / libertarian I have no problems with necessary expenditures such as what you have mentioned for the President's travel.

He, whomever "he" might be, IS the President, and one of the benefits of the Office is the ability to travel as needed.

Who cares? This means nothing :rolleyes:
Why stop there, they should just fly the whole airforce around with him....dumb ass post matt

[decatren]

Can garbage trucks fly overseas? :eek:

no, but it can swim under water :D

[FindLiberty]

I can't help (sold my Ultralight Eagle many years ago),
so I suggest the garbage truck solution too.

Fill it with Washington "gas bags" and it should float better in sea water.

[acptulsa]

I can't help (sold my Ultralight Eagle many years ago),
so I suggest the garbage truck solution too.

Fill it with Washington "gas bags" and it should float better in sea water.

Lol! The 'green' solution would be a hot air balloon. With Obama on board they would need no fuel at all.

We're losing altitude, Mr. President. Tell us all about this 'change' again...

...All right, Mr. President, we have arrived and it's time to land. With all due respect, please shut the hell up.

[Matt Collins]

I betcha Ron Paul wouldn't be wasting this "POWER GIMMICK" by flying all around the world, especially just for show and tours. Then again, some presidents have never been out of North America!Even to promote liberty around the world? Remember the President is the largest bully pulpit EVER. Being able to use it to spread a message and an ideology is beneficial; That of course assumes it's worth spreading. With President Paul the message of liberty is indeed worth spreading, however with most of our previous presidents, they are spreading something else... :rolleyes:





Have you ever seen the accounting numbers and the associated graft and for the Presidential flight machines? It's been posted before here on RPF... I'm sure your smart enough to find them.Link to it. But it is minutia compared to the federal budget and / or the GDP.

[Wendi]

Dr. Paul might object to the insinuation that he would be gallivanting around at our expense using his office as a "bully pulpit."

[acptulsa]

Dr. Paul might object to the insinuation that he would be gallivanting around at our expense using his office as a "bully pulpit."

And the mere fact that he's POTUS and that he's traveling would not necessarily mean he's rattling around the overly generous 'confines' of a huge 747.

[HOLLYWOOD]

//

[HOLLYWOOD]

Even to promote liberty around the world? Remember the President is the largest bully pulpit EVER. Being able to use it to spread a message and an ideology is beneficial; That of course assumes it's worth spreading. With President Paul the message of liberty is indeed worth spreading, however with most of our previous presidents, they are spreading something else... :rolleyes:

Yeah there's nothing like going to a 3rd world nation in Africa, with thousands of Americans involved to drop in on the peasants and flaunt the American Might & Lavishness.

But what the heck the local embassy hosts a free public BBQ and free American Flags for the Peasants to wave. At least they have one day with a decent meal. Oh, the U.S. Gubment will send millions to peasants, but as usual, they go to the GOVERNMENT, not the people. We can jaw Liberty & Freedom everyday, but stealing from the people, to serve themselves, is not setting an example of Liberty.

I guess if you just say enough Liberties and Freedoms in your speeches, the ignorant will believe. Niger is a prefect example.

I encourage anyone on this board to take a career up as a FSP or on AF1 and you'll truly see what's going on.



Link to it. But it is minutia compared to the federal budget and / or the GDP.

Every dollar counts no matter where it's spent, but I get it... Do as I say and not as I do! Google an immense amount of information on this, there have even been previous posts on AF1 on this forum.

[libertarian4321]

The President can fly coach like everyone else!

[nodope0695]

Yeah, I think Obama wants to tint the windows and put 22 inch spinners on it.

[Zippyjuan]

It is not just the President who travels on the plane. He is acompanied by staff members, sometimes members of Congress and always lots of journalists to cover the trip (they are supposed to pay for their passage).

[Danke]

Yeah, I think Obama wants to tint the windows and put 22 inch spinners on it.

http://www.hogrockcafe.com/obama%27s_air_force_one.htm

[devil21]

Yeah, I think Obama wants to tint the windows and put 22 inch spinners on it.

http://gen3.txt-nifty.com/blog/image/soul_plane.jpg

The flight crew is also being changed:

http://www.thecinemasource.com/moviesdb/images/SoulPlane-450-6.jpg

[lucius]

No, but they're great for hauling worthless shit around.

lol (+1) :D