Boeing was eliminated from the Air Force competition for the new “Doomsday plane” - Air Data News
The company reportedly disagreed with the terms of the contract after winning the KC-46A and new Air Force One programs, which have fixed-price values. Sierra Nevada Corporation remains sole participant
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The confidential SAOC program does not clarify certain details such as the aircraft to be used, but it is practically certain that the Boeing 747-8 will serve as the basis for installing the systems and equipment necessary for the mission.
Sierra Nevada even opened a large facility in Dayton, Ohio in August, capable of modifying large aircraft such as the 747.
The tendency is for the winner of the competition to follow a model similar to the VC-25B, the two new US presidential aircraft.
Instead of producing new 747 jets, as it did with the VC-25A, which have in-flight refueling receptacles, Boeing chose two 747-8s that were in storage to adapt them to the VVIP standard.
Delayed, the new Air Force One has caused increasing losses, as it cannot readjust the value agreed with the Air Force.