The U.S. Air Force on Jan. 29 gave Boeing a risk reduction activities contract that will eventually lead to an order of two 747-8s as Air Force One.
By U.S. Air Force File Photo. [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
The press release from the U.S. Air Force says this is the first contract the Air Force has awarded for the Presidential Aircraft Recapitalization program.
“Additional modifications will be made to this contract in the future to purchase the commercial 747-8 aircraft, as well as to design, modify and test those aircraft to meet the presidential mission,” the press release said.
“This contract gets us started on determining how to modify a 747-8 to become the next Air Force One, and finding opportunities for cost reduction through detailed requirements choices, competition of subsystems, and in the sustainment of the aircraft after it has been fielded,” Col. Amy McCain, the Presidential Aircraft Recapitalization program manager said.
“This initial effort is about reducing risk, really understanding where the tough work will be, finding affordability opportunities, and getting the best value for the taxpayer, while continuing to meet the needs of our commander in chief.”