Sayonara, 2027! Boeing's Air Force One Replacement Delayed Yet Again
Trump's Desired Air Force One Upgrade Includes Tainted Wings, Skyrocketing Costs
Oh, the irony! The replacement aircraft for the ageing VC-25A - our beloved Air Force One - is in a bit of a pickle. The task of turning Boeing 747-8i into the slick new VC-25B wasn't quite as straightforward as expected. And, guess who's feeling the heat? You guessed it, Boeing!
With delays in delivery looming, The Don, aka Donald Trump, is reportedly considering a Plan B - or rather, a Plan C. BFMTV broke the news, stating that Trump's not too chuffed with Boeing's performance. In a surprise twist, a contract has been awarded to L3Harris Technologies. They'll be converting an ex-Qatari royal family's 747-8 into a presidential birdie, while Boeing catches up with their deliveries somewhere around 2027-2028.
Bullseye Bang-Up! The Trump Administration's "Strategic Uncertainty" Strikes Again
The initial $4 billion budget for the project? Expect a minimum of $2.5 billion extra for Boeing. With a series of hiccups on their aircraft and a labor shortfall due to pandemics (seriously, when doesn't that crop up?), Boeing had a tall order to fill. But can they get the replacement aircraft ready in time? Well, the certification process isn't a walk in the park. It's a mandatory marathon that requires strict adherence, defense capabilities, missile resistance, and even cyber-defenses!
When Life Gives You Lemons, Make a Temporary Air Force One Lemonade
With the certification process being a total game-changer, delays suddenly look inevitable. So, what's Plan C? Booze or Exotic Tropic Birdie? Rumours suggest that Trump's considering a quick-fix Air Force One made from a converted Qatari royal family's 747. Fancy! And, if that's not enough, the Trump administration has even approached L3Harris Technologies to help out with a temporary Air Force One solution.
Bit of a Mix-Up, Eh? Glad to Help!
L3Harris Technologies, as it turns out, is the new kid on the Air Force One replacement block. Their mission? To help out with the ongoing delays. But what exactly are they doing? Well, that part's a mystery! Reports don't spill the beans on their specific role in this ding-dong of a project yet.
Bending the Rules to Make Deadlines
Remember the 2027-2028 deadline? Didn't sound too pretty, did it? Not if you want it to stick! So, Boeing and the Air Force are considering some moves to stretch things out. They're leaning towards relaxing certain specifications to get the job done a wee bit earlier. Don't worry, though, they still want the new birdie to have top-notch communication and defense capabilities.
[1] Air Force One replacement project faces cost overruns amid delays
[2] Air Force One replacement delayed, Boeing faces steep costs
[3] The Realities of the Air Force One Replacement Program
[4] Air Force One Replacement Project's Top-Secret Plan Has Leaked
[5] Air Force One replacement delayed even more
- The uncertain circumstances surrounding the Air Force One replacement project have led some to explore alternative options in the realm of real estate, such as the possibility of leasing a high-end corporate jet for short-term use, as seen in other heads of state's situation.
- The evolving dynamics of the Air Force One replacement project, with delays and cost overruns, have stirred conversations in the realm of politics and general-news, particularly debates on the influence of technology in government projects and the role of private companies in meeting public sector's demands.
