Trump’s call to cancel new Air Force One

President-elect Donald Trump is urging the government to cancel Boeing’s contract to build a new fleet of presidential aircraft to replace the ageing models, citing “out of control” costs of more than $4 billion

LOWER LEVEL
Cargo and avionics

AIR FORCE ONE
Boeing 747-200B
Crew: 26, passengers: 70
Speed: 1,037km/hour

MID LEVEL

UPPER LEVEL: Flight deck, communications centre and crew lounge

Capable of in-flight refuelling

Media section

Rear galley, toilets

VIP section

Security

Secretarial staff

Nuclear codes: Air Force officer guards “Football” – briefcase that holds codes for nuclear deployment

Conference and dining room

President’s suite: Includes dressing room, gym, shower and office

Senior staff meeting room

Aides’ office: Doubles as pharmacy and emergency operating theatre

Main galley

Defence: Hardened to withstand electromagnetic pulse of nuclear blast, counter measures to jam enemy radar.
Laser system and flares to detect and throw heat-seeking missiles off course

Pentagon’s five-year budget plan includes $3.2 billion for development, military construction and acquisition of two 747-8 aircraft to replace current Air Force One fleet

Government has already signed contract with Boeing for $170m to conduct initial research work

Boeing
747-8
Speed: 1,055km/hour
Length: 76 metres –
5.5m longer than 747-200B

New aircraft scheduled to be in service by 2024 – end of Trump’s second term, should he seek and win re-election

Sources: Boeing, Aviation Week & Space Technology, wire agencies