French-made Air Force One?

[unhappycamper]

French-made Air Force One?
Our buddy Steve Trimble over at Flight International reports that the U.S. Air Force is looking at the Airbus A380 as a possible replacement for the aging C-5 Galaxy and also, incredibly enough, the 747s used as Air Force One.

Here's an excerpt from Steve's report:

The request may be linked to the USAF’s ongoing review of a potentially over-budget re-engining and reliability improvement programme for the Lockheed Martin C-5 fleet. Lockheed insists the programme can be accomplished within the current budget, but USAF estimates indicate a 50% to 100% cost growth.

USAF officials were not immediately available to comment.

Separately, AMC also requested data from EADS about three Airbus jets as part of a market survey for “VIP Large Aircraft Recapitalization”, the source said. The survey solicited data about the A380, A340-600 and A330-200.

The USAF may soon need to recapitalize the VC-25 Air Force One and the US Navy also may face similar pressure to replace the E-4 Looking Glass airborne command post. Both aircraft are based on the Boeing 747-200 and entered service in the early 1990s. Many commercial airliners are retiring the 747-200 due to age and fuel inefficiency..


Rest of article at: http://www.defensetech.org/archives/003793.html?wh=wh



uhc comment:

EXCLUSIVE: US considers Airbus A380 as Air Force One and potentially a C-5 replacement
DATE:17/10/07
SOURCE:Flightglobal.com


By Stephen Trimble

The Airbus A380 has attracted interest from the US Air Force (USAF) as a cargo freighter and as a large VIP transport in the Air Force One class, says an industry source.

EADS last summer responded to two separate inquiries by the USAF’s Air Mobility Command (AMC) about the A380, which is a double-decker jet delivered to Singapore Airlines on 15 October after a long delay.

AMC’s first request asked EADS to submit data about the A380F Freighter for potential use as a military airlifter, the source said, adding that the company has submitted a reply and expects an invitation to make a presentation in December to AMC officials.

The request may be linked to the USAF’s ongoing review of a potentially over-budget re-engining and reliability improvement programme for the Lockheed Martin C-5 fleet. Lockheed insists the programme can be accomplished within the current budget, but USAF estimates indicate a 50% to 100% cost growth.

USAF officials were not immediately available to comment.

Separately, AMC also requested data from EADS about three Airbus jets as part of a market survey for “VIP Large Aircraft Recapitalization”, the source said. The survey solicited data about the A380, A340-600 and A330-200.

Rest of article at: http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2007/10/17/218681/exclusive-us-considers-airbus-a380-as-air-force-one-and-potentially-a-c-5-replacement.html


No wonder Boeing has their panties in a twist.

[INDIA]

1. Makes sense...

If Boeing is going to phase out the 747, and their new aircraft are substantially smaller (Dreamliner), I guess the Air Force would have to look elsewhere.

Although I don't see Congress allowing Air Force One to be foreign made, ESPECIALLY French made! That will be a HUGE (and interesting to watch)back and forth in the House and Senate...

[NYVet]

2. Grabs the popcorn and a soda

I call the couch for this fight. It should be fun to watch those with the Boeing factories in their districts froth at the mouth.

[eppur_se_muova]

3. Well, at least it can burn "Freedom Fuel". nt