By Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs, / Published
January 29, 2016
WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- The Boeing Company was awarded a
contract Jan. 29 for risk reduction activities for the Presidential Aircraft
Recapitalization program, which will field the next Air Force One.
This is the first contract the Air Force has awarded for this
program. Additional modifications will be made to this contract in the future
to purchase the commercial 747-8 aircraft, as well as to design, modify and
test those aircraft to meet the presidential mission.
These efforts are the first step in a deliberate process to
control program risks and life cycle costs. These activities will include the
definition of detailed requirements and design trade-offs required to support
informed decisions that will lead to a lower risk Engineering and Manufacturing
Development program and lower life cycle costs.
“This is the start of our contractual relationship with
Boeing. It will allow Boeing to begin working on what will be the next Air
Force One,” said Col. Amy McCain, the Presidential Aircraft Recapitalization program
manager. “This initial effort is about reducing risk, really understanding
where the tough work will be, finding affordability opportunities, and getting
the best value for the taxpayer, while continuing to meet the needs of our
commander in chief.”
The secretary of the Air Force has made it clear that
affordability will be a key element of the Presidential Aircraft
Recapitalization program.
“We will continue to insist upon program affordability
through cost conscious procurement practices,” said Secretary of the Air Force
Deborah Lee James.
“The presidential aircraft is one of the most visible
symbols of the United States of America at home and abroad,” James said. “We
will ensure the next Air Force One meets the necessary capabilities established
to execute the presidential support mission, while reflecting the office of the
president of the United States of America consistent with the national public
interest.”
The Air Force wants to own enough of the technical baseline
to permit competition for modifications and sustainment throughout the
aircraft’s planned 30-year life cycle. Competition can keep costs down, spur
innovation and provide technical options.
“We are focused on ensuring this program is affordable,”
McCain said. “This contract gets us started on determining how to modify a
747-8 to become the next Air Force One, and finding opportunities for cost
reduction through detailed requirements choices, competition of subsystems, and
in the sustainment of the aircraft after it has been fielded.”
“The current fleet of VC-25A presidential aircraft has
performed exceptionally well, a testament to the Airmen who support, maintain
and fly the aircraft,” James said. “Yet, it is time to replace them. Parts
obsolescence, diminishing manufacturing sources and increased down times for
maintenance are existing challenges that will increase until a new aircraft is
fielded.”