The Israeli government has issued perhaps one of the most indefinite RFI's in presidential transport acquisition.....

http://www.flightglobal.com/articles...esidential-transport-aircraft.html

Quote:
"The RFI lists three options - a dedicated aircraft for these official flights, a dual-use aircraft that will be operated by an airline between the official flights, and a long-term agreement with an airline, under which one of its aircraft will be converted to VIP configuration at short notice.

The operator must be an Israeli company, the RFI dictates, and the requirement is for an aircraft able to carry up to 120 passengers in a three-class configuration. The front section will be modified to include an office with secure communications systems, a bedroom and other facilities and systems.

The RFI includes an option for a dual-use aircraft that will be operated by the Israeli air force."


120 pax in three sections - with Club seating? Suggests 767/787/A330 at least.

I would imagine the name of the aircraft will begin with Boeing- ?

This could be a B-777-200ER or LR, too. I would think this will be a dedicated Israeli-1 airplane, and not shared with El Al, but owned and only flown by the IDF.

Quoting DEVILFISH (Thread starter): Suggests 767/787/A330 at least.

It seems logical to combine this with the tanker replacement, in which case the 767 has a better chance.

IAI is already converting them for Colombian Air Force & and pushing them for the IAF.

http://iam751.wordpress.com/2010/02/...may-convert-old-767s-into-tankers/

Quoting keesje (Reply 3): keesje

You could be right, Keesje. But I still think the Israel-1 will be a dedacated airplane and not swapped out to the tanker or cargo mission when not used as a VIP transport. The VIP airplane would require unique comm suit than the military would not usually need.