Fleet of the U.S. president will update and modernize
The Pentagon plans to replace the two current presidential aircraft the U.S. into three new ones. Park will not only extend but also modernized. Delivery of the first updated "board number 1" is expected in 2017.
Presidential liners, designed in the event of nuclear war to become airborne command post, traditionally located on the balance of the Air Force and piloted their fighter pilots. Now operated by the Air Force 1 "and his" understudy "is a modified Boeing 747-200. They were ordered in 1987 and made available to the White House in 1990. Each plane cost 350 million dollars. It is assumed that the new airliners will be worth much more.
It is reported that the change of the presidential aircraft - is largely enforced measure. Double-deck Boeing-747-200 "quite satisfied by their size presidents and their unit - not without reason" Board Number 1 "is also called the" flying White House. " However, similar models of commercial airliners Boeing Corporation disclaims production, gradually ceasing production of spare parts. And the leadership of the Air Force concluded that in the long run will be cheaper to buy new planes.
Now only two corporations produce wide-liners, who would come to the White House - Boeing and European rival Airbus. It is expected that between them and the battle will unfold for the order. The second new presidential aircraft to be delivered in 2019, the third - in 2021. This was reported on the eve of TV Xi CBS, citing officials from the U.S. Air Force.
The new president, Barack Obama, who took office on Jan. 20, 2009, will be able to fly on Air Force 1 "next generation only if it succeeds in re-election for another four-year term in November 2012, according to ITAR-TASS .
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