A380 To Replace Air Force One

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01-17-2009 | 06:45 AM

jsfBoat

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From: Lovin' life at .4 (ish) mach

A380 To Replace Air Force One

Here's a link with an artists impression of what the A380 would look like in Air Force One livery. I don't think it's going to happen, since the President-elect is going to be representing the US on foreign trips. Nothing would be further from saying "I'm an American" with a European-built aircraft. I personally vote for the 747-800, or even a 777-ER of some sort before an A380. What are the rest of the opinions.

Would Obama like an A380 for Air Force One? Dvorak Uncensored: General interest observations and true web-log.

01-17-2009 | 07:09 AM

faipsrule

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Unfortunately, the acquisition process has nothing to do with "apperance". Legally, who ever bids lowest / closest to the statement of need gets the contract. Refrence the KC-X contract and you get the picture. All Air Bus needs is an american contractor "partner" to submit the bid and it can be won. Boeing has lots of military experience which is a plus and the Euro is high vs. the dollar making it more expensive, but it would be just like the Air Force and the Federal Government do so someting as stupid and inappropriate as awarding the most high profile aircraft acquisition in decades to the damn French.

01-17-2009 | 07:21 AM

skidmark

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From: BassTracker

Quote:

Originally Posted by jsfBoat

Actually a A380 would be accurate for him. Just call it "Socialist Force 1". French people would love him even more.

01-17-2009 | 07:32 AM

USMCFLYR

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From: FAA 'Flight Check'

It's already happened to Marine One - so it is possible.

USMCFLYR

01-17-2009 | 08:10 AM

rickair7777

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From: Engines Turn or People Swim

Quote:

Originally Posted by USMCFLYR

It's already happened to Marine One - so it is possible.

USMCFLYR

I think they let that one go euro partly to show that we allow them full access to our defense market...a high profile (but low dollar value) talking point. Notice that the big dollar contracts don't go so easily (tanker).

We have a lot more opportunity to sell defense products over there than vice versa...it's balancing act between protectionism and ticking off the people we want to sell our stuff to.

But Air Force One? Not a chance...congress would overide that one.

01-17-2009 | 09:14 AM

DWN3GRN

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From: F-4 Wild Weasel

This I think would be highly unlikely. It would be a huge transformation including a bigger hanger at Andrews so both A380's can sit nose to nose. I vote for the 74-8's.

01-17-2009 | 09:34 AM

GRDHound

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From: in line at the ticket counter

I would vote for keeping the 74's they have now. Are the current airframes really up there in hours? I wouldn't think so. The aircraft they have now are proven aircraft with a long track record and I don't know why we should go spending taxpayer money toward a new toy while their are so many things the money could be constructively used for.

Plus the 74 is just a better looking jet!

01-24-2009 | 02:53 AM

FastDEW

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From: 777 Left

Quote:

Originally Posted by jsfBoat

, or even a 777-ER of some sort

Would Obama like an A380 for Air Force One? Dvorak Uncensored: General interest observations and true web-log.

We can be sure it wont be a 777. They like 4 engines for the president. For that matter I dont see the 380 either. They also like steam gauges and cables due to EMI from a Nuke. That is one of the reasons the current planes are -200's instead of -400's which were available at the time. They wanted the steam and the FE position. I think they even have a navigator position as well (not sure on that one). Anyway, I cannot imagine that the current metal is any where near ready for retirement. Seems like they should refurbish the interior perhaps but why change out the entire air plane. Nothing wrong with the -200's.

01-24-2009 | 05:10 AM

alvrb211

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Obama is being driven around in a new Cadillac which is basically a piece of junk compared to what Germany could have built him, I don't see him in anything other than Boeing.

He has to.

AL

01-24-2009 | 05:40 AM

#10

ewrbasedpilot

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If the president requires four engines, then we should put him in a B-52 with EIGHT......

Anyone who sees a B-52 bearing down on them KNOWS it means business. Then again, I wouldn't be surprised if the 380 came on board. Wasn't too long ago that congress wanted to give the tanker contract to EADS. Then we wonder what's happening to our jobs. Go fiure...............