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Aerospace/Defense panel suggests using Stealth Bomber for new Air Force One
***Important to note that this is NOT something Trump has requested ***
Original article is from Aviation Week and Space Technology, which requires a sign up to read.
From Popular Mechanics;
According to Aviation Week, a new report from aerospace and defense analysts has gone so far as to suggest ditching the massive Boeing 747-8 as the airframe for Air Force One and instead modifying another aircraft for presidential use—perhaps Boeing's smaller 737, or even the B-21 stealth bomber still in development by Northrop Grumman.
The current pair of Air Force One aircraft are modified 747s officially called Boeing VC-25s. They have been in service since 1990. To shift away from a 747-based AF1, the requirements for the presidential transport would need to change. Among other things, the Air Force requires a four-engine jet that can accommodate at least 70 passengers. The United States has begun the process to build new AF1 aircraft, but those rules effectively limit the airframe options to the Boeing 747 and the Airbus A380.
The current pair of Air Force One aircraft are modified 747s officially called Boeing VC-25s. They have been in service since 1990. To shift away from a 747-based AF1, the requirements for the presidential transport would need to change. Among other things, the Air Force requires a four-engine jet that can accommodate at least 70 passengers. The United States has begun the process to build new AF1 aircraft, but those rules effectively limit the airframe options to the Boeing 747 and the Airbus A380.
http://www.popularmechanics.com/military/aviation/a25190/b-21-737-bomber-new-air-force-one/
