If this capability is left off, it would be pretty surprising, given that Air Force One may arguably be the aircraft in the world that needs this ability the most. It would mean Air Force One could theoretically find itself in a situation some day where it has no choice but to land in a less-than-friendly nation due to being low on fuel. Of course, though, one could argue that that sort of unfriendly airspace would have made it hard for a USAF tanker to link up with Air Force One in the air anyway.
I am also curious what would have happened if Boeing had simply refused to make any Air Force Ones, period - the US government would have had no choice but to go with Airbus. Would be interesting optics.
They better get a good exterminator; I’m sure it’s filled with ‘bugs’.
Also, AIUI, the entire second floor of the current AF1 is staffed by military & secure comms, I’m guessing a flying palace doesn’t have all those comms, & it’s not like the retrofit can take place over night. Is he just planning on traveling in the dark?
Hmmm, maybe they can use a secure payphone in a street corner where anyone can listen in to their conversations.
As I said in another thread, it didn’t make sense to me that they were able to make the Qatari plane (Boeing VC-25B Bridge) into one capable of carrying the POTUS in less than a year, including whatever time was necessary to ensure that it was bug-free (and even bomb-free). Especially since it’s taking roughly a decade to make the new VC-25B planes ready as replacements for the existing VC-25A planes. So the answer is that the Qatari plane received only a half-assed upgrade.
I’ve heard that the biggest time delay comes with installing its defensive capabilities. Air Force One can survive a nuclear attack.
I have little doubt that Trump was told that he couldn’t be guaranteed that his new plane would avoid being attacked when he left Europe. That’s why he took the old one.
As a true AF1, it’s not sufficient. But as a plane for his “presidential library”, it’s perfect. The plan is to put it on display inside the building. Of course, when it turns out it won’t fit, he’ll just have to appropriate it for his own personal use.
And now the Department of Justice issued subpoenas to several New York Times reporters who wrote on the security concerns about the Qatari plane being used as Air Force One. Great way to respect the constitution there.
Another alternative would be to slice it into 10-foot sections and have it displayed that way like an “Amazing Interiors” illustration. At least, that’s my suggestion.