Boeing Nut From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Posted (3 years 2 days 19 hours ago) and read 3519 times:
Greetings all,
Reading "Air Force One" threads gets everyone wondering about other possible variants of this special aircraft. Not everyone is aware however of the support aircraft. Namely the E4-B.
Kind of hopping around here, but now that the 747-800 has been launched I think it's pretty much a given that it will be the next "Air Force One". A lot has been mentioned about the unused space above the main cabin that can/will be used for crew rest, galley storage and so on.
Now, with technology coming as far as it has with computers, specifically thier reduced size, couldn't the Air Force use this "unused" space as a war room section of the aircraft? All info could be transmitted down to the main conference room. This could possibly eliminate the need for the E4-B.
Just curious as to what some of you with the "in the know" think about this.
JarheadK5 From United States, joined Nov 2005, 154 posts, RR: 0 Reply 1, posted (3 years 2 days 19 hours ago) and read 3506 times:
Quoting Boeing Nut (Thread starter): now that the 747-800 has been launched I think it's pretty much a given that it will be the next "Air Force One".
With as little as the current AF1's are used (when compared to 747's in revenue service), and as well-kept as they are, I personally don't see a need for an airframe replacement for a looong time.
(I'm assuming there's more than one VC-25 - I can't remember right now...)
KC135R From United States, joined Apr 2005, 690 posts, RR: 8 Reply 3, posted (3 years 2 days 10 hours ago) and read 3401 times:
The E-4 isn't just a support aircraft for the VC-25, its primary job is to serve as a flying command post for the military. It does support presidential missions and one is always nearby when AF1 is flying somewhere, but it does much more than that.
Besides, why replace the VC-25's already? They are relatively young (only been in service since 1990 and the VC-137's stayed around for nearly 30 years before being replaced.
Dw747400 From United States, joined Aug 2001, 856 posts, RR: 1 Reply 5, posted (3 years 1 day 8 hours ago) and read 3280 times:
Recent upgrades to the VC-25A give it C+C capbilities rivaling, if not surpassing, those of the E-4B. The E-4s still have important roles, but it is unlikely they will see the president aboard, even in a time of crisis.
KC135TopBoom From United States, joined Jan 2005, 5528 posts, RR: 36 Reply 6, posted (3 years 1 day ago) and read 3252 times:
The E-4Bs have already been in service with SAC, and now ACC for over 30 years now (they all started out in life as E-4As). They fly lots of hours each year. So they may, someday, be replaced by a B-747-800. Maybe within the next 10 years, or so. One problem is that there is only 4 E-4s in the USAF inventory. With one always on alert, one in some type of maintenance, and one used during crew training missions, that only leaves one spare airplane.
There is also one USAF ABL platform that is a B-747-400.
Boeing Nut From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 7, posted (3 years 21 hours ago) and read 3241 times:
Do you guys think the current VC-25's would ever retrofit this unused overhead space utilized with new equipment? Seems like several desktop stations could be installed
KC135TopBoom From United States, joined Jan 2005, 5528 posts, RR: 36 Reply 8, posted (2 years 12 months 2 days 1 hour ago) and read 3127 times:
Quoting Boeing Nut (Reply 7): Do you guys think the current VC-25's would ever retrofit this unused overhead space utilized with new equipment? Seems like several desktop stations could be installed
Before replying, keep my signature in mind.
Actually, the upper deck on the VC-25 is already used. That is where the White House communications center is. This equipment gets updated regularly. The foreward and aft cargo lobes are also used, during 9/11 they were stuffed to the gills with food, water, and supplies when the plane landed at Barksdale AFB, LA.
Boeing Nut From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 9, posted (2 years 12 months 1 day 9 hours ago) and read 3060 times:
Greetings TopBoom,
I am aware of the "hump" is already being utilized on the VC-25's. I am refering to the overhead space over the main cabin that is not used. (that we know of) On the newer 747 studies, this space over the main cabin will be used for various purposes. Crew rest, sleeping berths for passengers, etc.
KC135TopBoom From United States, joined Jan 2005, 5528 posts, RR: 36 Reply 10, posted (2 years 12 months 1 day 5 hours ago) and read 3048 times:
Quoting Boeing Nut (Reply 9): I am refering to the overhead space over the main cabin that is not used. (that we know of)
Oh, that overhead space is already occupied by the swollen heads of all the political passengers who have ever flown on the VC-25As. They needed a B-747 sized airplane because those in the Bush 41, Clinton, and Bush 43 Administrations couuld not fit their heads into the B-707s (VC-137B/Cs).
LOL.
No, I don't know of any future use for this space, unless they decide to build a crew rest area. I believe that Boeing offers a kit for this for the B-747-200/300/400s.
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