Photo - USAF / Class Jason P. Robertson
Boeing won a contract from the USAF in the amount of 1.65 billion dollars, with advance payment of 25.8 million to reduce the risk of project. According to the released by the Pentagon on Friday (29/01), Boeing will provide 2747-8 aircraft identical to the USAF, which will be the exclusive North American president use.
The Air Force Ameircana first announced in January 2015, a Boeing 747-8 aircraft would be used to replace the two Air Force planes today, used to transport the US president. Air Force One is one of the most visible symbols of the United States when traveling abroad, especially for its size.
Currently the Air Force operates two Boeing 747-200B, VC-25 code name, modified for presidential use and are already reaching the end of its useful life. The 747-8 will receive technologies that are already in use, and others that will help in the comfort on board, as said Deborah James, secretary of the USAF. The reason for the choice of the 747-8 is the security to be equipped with 4 engines and American manufacturing, which allows you to keep confidential some of the aircraft systems.
The Boeing 747-8 is a larger version and double extended deck of the old 747-4, besides being equipped with new avionics and new generation engines. Boeing conducted the flight of the passenger version in 2011, with commercial deliveries beginning in 2012. Currently, Lufthansa is the main client of the passenger version, while the Cargolux shares with Cathay put the cargo version.