Trump's jumbo jet instead of nuclear missiles: financial injection for Air Force One!

Trump's jumbo jet instead of nuclear missiles: financial injection for Air Force One!

Amid defense controversy and delays, the situation surrounding the new Air Force One, the VC-25B, has worsened. Donald Trump recently expressed his dissatisfaction with the slow commissioning of the new aircraft, which is based on the Boeing 747-8. Completion is not expected until October 2027 at the earliest, which has sparked numerous discussions about the use and financing of the project. Loud Flight review The Pentagon still plans to redirect funds from the new nuclear missile program to advance construction of the VC-25B. This diversion comes from the Sentinel project, which envisages the development of a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).

The conversion of a foreign machine into a government machine also causes public debate. Qatar gave Trump a VIP version of the jumbo jet, although the cost of the conversion remains unclear. While Air Force Secretary Troy E. Meink described the diversion as not impacting the budget, estimates for the conversion vary widely: Meink estimates the cost at $400 million, while the US Air Force expects it to cost $1.5 billion.

Technical details and challenges

The new Boeing 747-8i jumbo jets, to operate as the VC-25B, are designed as successors to the existing VC-25A that have been in service since the presidency of George H. W. Bush. These old aircraft are in dire need of repair due to “capability gaps, rising maintenance costs and parts obsolescence.” The new models will be modified at a Boeing facility in Texas that is classified for national security purposes. Improvements in the VC-25B's performance include an increased range of 7,730 nautical miles, increased cruise speed and a maximum takeoff weight of 987,000 pounds.

The interiors of the new aircraft offer over 4,000 square feet of space and are equipped with meeting and dining rooms, a private suite for the President and First Lady, and medical facilities. In addition, the aircraft should act as a secure command center, have secure communication systems and offer the possibility of aerial refueling.

Financial prospects and future use

The 2026 defense budget earmarks $602 million for the VC-25B. While the total cost of the Sentinel program is estimated at $4.2 billion, the total cost of the entire project is an alarming $170 billion, according to Federal Audit Office estimates. Financing the aviation project therefore appears to be a major challenge, especially in connection with the financial problems of military spending.

The question of what will happen to the new Air Force One after Trump's term also raises concerns. There are considerations that the former Qatari jumbo could become the property of Trump or his Presidential Library Foundation. However, it remains questionable whether the aircraft is suitable for international missions due to the lack of self-protection systems.

The first test flights were originally scheduled to take place in April 2024, but were postponed to the end of 2024. The first delivery is currently expected by 2028, which increases the pressure on federal funds and military priorities. The fleet of currently deployed VC-25As is expected to be loaned to museums once they are decommissioned, including the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum.