One of the most anticipated milestones toward the new Air Force One is the livery for the new presidential aircraft on Mar 21,2023. Two newer Boeing 747-8s are to be delivered to the U.S. government, following the announcement of the livery being finalized, as replacements for the aging Boeing 747-200s, known officially as VC-25As. These flying White Houses, which have been serving U.S. presidents since the Roosevelt era, are now over three-and-a-half decades old, presenting the United States’ taxpayers with high maintenance costs and mounting obsolescence.
The lot to replace the fleet was clinched in 2018 under former President Trump when he ordered new planes estimated to cost in the excess of billions of taxpayer dollars. In contrast to the ordinary models, the Boeing 747-8s are far more expensive since they receive major modifications like electrical power upgrades, a mission communication system, a medical facility, executive interior configuration, self-defense system, and autonomous ground operations capabilities.
It was expected in 2024 but has been pushed back, with the new aircraft expected to be delivered in 2027 and 2028. This underlines how extensive the modifications will be.
This is according to the present President, Biden, who recently revealed the new look. It would still, however, maintain the look from the iconic look of the current Air Force One but with a modern-day feel. This new livery would have a slightly deeper blue tone, darkened engines, and no polished metal section because of the use of materials that are found on modern aircraft skins. This was done to underpin Boeing’s engineering, certification preparation, and supplier selection activity.
Many like and appreciate the new livery as a proper balance between tradition and modernity. It is important to note that some purposed livery designed by Trump before that include patriotic trademarks were declined on thermal issues that should require the added qualification test from the FAA.
In another hugely important development in aviation, General Atomics will resume production of the Dornier 228 twin-turboprop in 2024. More well-known is the purchaser of programs related to unmanned air vehicles such as the MQ-1B Predator. Production will be re-started to address obsolescence issues and serves military, special mission, and passenger niche operators.
General Atomics is also collaborating with MTU Aero Engines and the German aerospace research center DLR on a hydrogen fuel cell powertrain for the Do 228, in which one of the aircraft’s turboprop engines will be replaced with a 600-kW electric motor, also powered by a hydrogen fuel cell system, with first flight expected in 2025.
The same is also true for the aviation sector, which is saying goodbye to the revolutionary Boeing 747 jumbo jet. First introduced in 1969, the 747 would be used as a cargo hauler, a commercial airliner, a NASA shuttle transfer vehicle, and an Air Force One. Later, more fuel-efficient, twin-engine wide-body planes replaced the symbolic 747. The 1,574th and final one built was delivered recently to cargo carrier Atlas Air.
The legacy of the 747 is enormous in that it really did democratize air travel and bring international cities much closer together. Its recognizable hump and second deck in the design have granted it the nickname “Queen of the Skies.” That should ensure the 747 will continue to fly for many decades to come, although mostly as cargo and as the aircraft of the U.S. president, who is also yet to come.
As the aviation industry continues to change, these developments underscore the delicate balance between heritage designs and embracing new technology to meet evolving needs.