On 1 Aug 2017 17:30:27 -0700, Miloch <Miloch_member@newsguy.com>
wrote:
>https://foxtrotalpha.jalopnik.com/the-usaf-bargain-shopped-old-jets-from-russia-for-air-f-1797440029
>
>Recall the days before Donald Trump was the president. He tweeted a lot. And one
>were too expensive to build and to cancel the order.
>
>It seems that the U.S. Air Force allegedly found a solution to this problem,
>according to Defense One, which cites unnamed sources familiar with the issue.
>
>[Clarification: the 747s were ordered by now-bankrupt Russian airline Transaero
>but it never took delivery. The planes are unused.]
>
>From the story:
>
>"The Air Force is not expected to disclose the specific value of the contract,
>but officials said that the military is getting a good deal on the planes.
>Boeing lists the average sticker price of a 747-8 as $386.8 million; the actual
>amount paid by airlines and other customers varies with quantities,
>configurations, and so forth.
>
>deal is focused on providing a great value for the Air Force and the best price
>Defense One.
>
>The two planes, numbered N894BA and N895BA, were flown last to the Southern
>California Logistics Airport in Victorville in February. As Defense One points
>out, this facility includes an aircraft boneyard that holds retired commercial
>aircraft.
>
>two 747s in new condition while searching for a buyer, which allowed the Air
>
>to me. A great one, even.
>
>modified to include living quarters for the president, office and food prep
>areas, state-of-the-art navigation systems and electronic and communications
>equipment. It has a longer range and is capable of aerial refueling. It has
>defensive countermeasures that include the ability to deflect heat-seeking
>missiles.
>
>Trump will get to ride around in his bargain planes only if he gets elected for
>a second term.
>
>[UPDATE 5:25 p.m.] Headline has been updated from The USAF Bargain-Shopped Old
>Jets From Russia For Air Force One: Report to The USAF Bargain-Shopped
>Undelivered Jets From Russia For Air Force One: Report
Hrm. Should save a little money, but betting the conversion and
upgrades still cost far more than the airframes.
|
|