Report Suggests B-21 Bomber, Boeing 737, as New Air Force One

[rangerrebew]

Report Suggests B-21 Bomber, Boeing 737, as New Air Force One

 

Northrop Grumman
By Jay Bennett
Feb 13, 2017

    1.1k

Back in December, Donald Trump caused a ruckus when he tweeted that the costs for replacing Air Force One jets were "out of control." Now that Trump is in office, Defense Secretary James Mattis has ordered a full review of the $3.2 billion project to find ways to cut back costs. The aviation industry at large has taken notice.
 

According to Aviation Week, a new report from aerospace and defense analysts has gone so far as to suggest ditching the massive Boeing 747-8 as the airframe for Air Force One and instead modifying another aircraft for presidential use—perhaps Boeing's smaller 737, or even the B-21 stealth bomber still in development by Northrop Grumman.

http://www.popularmechanics.com/military/aviation/a25190/b-21-737-bomber-new-air-force-one/

[Smokin Joe]

It might make sense to adapt different off the shelf aircraft for the purpose of transporting POTUS, depending on circumstances of the trip. Short hops, the smaller planes might be adequate. National Emergency, the stealth, for overseas travel a 747 or equivalent.

The question is one of whether the costs of maintaining the aircraft and crew requirements for different types of aircraft would be greater than the amount saved by using the smaller planes for shorter hops.

It would be a good political move after the Obamas' spending fortunes on vacations and travel, provided the numbers worked.

We do something similar with vehicles, with a small one for fair weather town runs (easier to park, more maneuverable), and larger vehicles for work/utility use and longer trips.

[thackney]

It might make sense to adapt different off the shelf aircraft for the purpose of transporting POTUS, depending on circumstances of the trip. Short hops, the smaller planes might be adequate. National Emergency, the stealth, for overseas travel a 747 or equivalent.

Depending on your definition of "short" in short hops, Marine One takes this role.

[r9etb]

Back in December, Donald Trump caused a ruckus when he tweeted that the costs for replacing Air Force One jets were "out of control." ... or even the B-21 stealth bomber still in development by Northrop Grumman.

Yeah, now there's a powerful argument for cost control....

[Smokin Joe]

Depending on your definition of "short" in short hops, Marine One takes this role.

I was thinking CONUS, as  opposed to overseas. Marine one is likely good for commutes too long for motorcade, but has limits, too.

[Smokin Joe]

Yeah, now there's a powerful argument for cost control....

Yeah. The only reason I can see to wrap POTUS in stealth is that we'd be at war, here. Escort and entourage aircraft would likely be an indicator of who/what was going where otherwise.

[rangerrebew]

I suspect the B 21 would be even more costly than a 747.

[Smokin Joe]

I suspect the B 21 would be even more costly than a 747.

I would, too. The only advantage is stealth, and the 'facilities' would essentially be the bomb bay, or perhaps a module that could be loaded in and hooked up. No luxury, cramped, etc. But in the instance of needing the security of not being tracked (which would be a dire situation indeed), could be a plus as options go. The logistical trail would have to be left  behind, or the extra aircraft would have to have a real good 'legend' to not indicate the destination of the POTUS. A helo ride to one of the close in facilities might be the better option.