new AF-1
 

...to be replaced in 2023. Must be "four engines" but I am not sure why.

Boeing 747 Only Good for U.S. President as Jumbo Era Ends - Bloomberg

Because when it comes to military applications or the POTUS, effectiveness trumps efficiency.

For example, they could lose an engine and continue to destination in the 747 but not in a 777. And considering government gloat and all of the people and crap they take on AF1, the 777 is probably too small.

Could they use the 777? Absolutely.

747-8 would be cool

Four engines absolutely makes sense for reliability and damage tolerance. Especially since commercial models are available...would be a tough sell if they had to clean slate it.

Plus it has to be an American built/engineered aircraft as well. Don't think POTUS will be flying in an Airbus anytime soon

Didn't the Marine 1 contract goto Agusta...I mean Lockheeed? Why not a Northrop/Airbus 340?

FWIW, these "partnerships" are complete bs. The S92 was robbed in the original bid.

During the first contract yes, but the S92 is the winner now since no other company got into the race.

Yes but M-1 isn't quite the conversation piece that AF-1 is. No way it will be foreign.

That VC-25 can't have near as many hours as older platforms such as the 135, 52, or KC-10 for that matter. IMHO it would be a waste of money for the AF to invest in another AF1 for now. It's a priority 1 airplane when it comes to ordering parts. The way MX babies that thing...keep it.

But just imagine...

http://www.cardatabase.net/modifieda...g/00011329.jpg

I agree with this. However the current platform is what ? 24 years old. However it is probably the most babied airplane in the entire military. I am sure they can get many more years out of it.