President Donald Trump, frustrated with Boeing’s delays in completing the new Air Force One planes, has turned to Elon Musk for help in getting the jets ready faster.
The original plan was to have the new 747s ready by 2024, but the project is now at least three years behind schedule and over budget by $2.7 billion.
To address this, Trump has tasked Musk with finding ways to expedite the delivery process.
Options to Speed Up Production
Musk’s potential solutions include relaxing security clearance standards for workers involved in the production of the aircraft or scaling back the military features on the plane to allow for quicker construction.
Another idea is to buy a luxury jet and modify it to meet the needs of a presidential aircraft.
Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg confirmed that they’ve been working with Musk to see how they can adjust the timeline and deliver the planes sooner.
Trump’s Frustration with Boeing
The new planes were always a top priority for Trump, and he has publicly expressed his disappointment with Boeing’s slow progress.
The aircraft are meant to replace the current 747s, which are over 30 years old and require constant maintenance.
Trump has even bragged about securing a fixed-price contract with Boeing during his first term, a deal that has now cost the company billions due to delays.
Musk’s Involvement and the Need for Speed
Musk’s involvement in the Air Force One project comes as no surprise, considering his track record in aerospace with SpaceX.
Despite being a competitor to Boeing, Musk visited Boeing’s military aircraft facility in San Antonio, Texas, after Trump’s election.
During the visit, Musk reportedly encouraged the company to speed up production, even if it meant sacrificing some military features for the sake of quicker delivery.
Challenges with Upgrading Existing Jets
As Trump grows more frustrated with the delays, he has even considered buying an existing 747 and upgrading it.
During a visit to Palm Beach International Airport, Trump examined a luxury 747 previously owned by the Qatari royal family, which could potentially serve as a replacement for the new Air Force One.
However, upgrading an existing jet comes with its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to meeting the high security and operational requirements needed for a presidential plane.
Security and Design Complications
The new presidential plane must meet stringent security standards, including being capable of evading missile attacks and surviving a nuclear blast.
These requirements, along with the need for encrypted communications and an operating room, add significant complexity to the production process.
Additionally, the workers who are involved in building the planes must undergo an extensive security clearance process, known as Yankee White, which has been delayed by the pandemic.
Aesthetic Disputes and Further Delays
Trump has also insisted on his preferred color scheme for the new Air Force One, featuring dark red, dark blue, and white.
While engineers have raised concerns about the thermal issues caused by the darker colors, the president remains adamant about the design, which has led to further delays.
Even after Biden’s administration reverted the plane’s design to its original light blue and white color scheme, Trump continues to push for his vision.
The Road Ahead for Air Force One
As the delays continue to mount, Trump’s frustration with the situation is palpable.
He has set his sights on getting the planes ready for delivery as soon as possible, and with Musk’s involvement, there is hope that the timeline can be expedited.
However, even with the best efforts from all parties involved, it’s clear that the new Air Force One planes will not be ready for Trump’s use anytime soon.
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