Connect with us

Aerospace

Boeing lost $1.3 billion as a result of Donald Trump’s single tweet.

Published

on

Boeing lost $1.3 billion as a result of Donald Trump's single tweet.

For most aviation enthusiasts, watching the US president fly the B 747 Air Force One is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Because it is not an average aircraft, It has been specially tailored to provide security to the President of the United States because it is not an ordinary aeroplane.

The Boeing B747 jumbo jet is often known as the “Queen of the Skies.” It’s painted in a unique blue colour scheme with chrome accents on the front fuselage. It’s a stunning aeroplane.

Advertisement

As soon as President Donald Trump was sworn in as President of the United States. he decided to make alterations to Air Force One, which had been in operation for 30 years. As aeroplanes become older, the amount of maintenance work required increases.

Boeing lost $1.3 bn as result of Donald Trump tweet of 747 Air Force One

So, Donald Trump has a deal with Boeing to create the new Boeing 747 Air Force One. It was an important agreement for Boeing since it could mean the end of a lot of heavy work if they agreed to build one of them.

Advertisement

It all began with a single tweet from Donald Trump on December 6, 2016, in the early morning hours. He stated that Boeing is developing a new 747 Air Force One for future presidents, but the cost is out of control, costing more than $4 billion. Deal must be cancelled! However, according to Boeing, the total cost of the programme is more than $5 billion. There is no doubt that Donald Trump has a distinct business negotiation style.

What is a Boeing P-8 airplane used for?

Advertisement

Boeing lost $1.3 bn as result of Donald Trump tweet of 747 Air Force One

It was implying that the program will be cancelled. So Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg calls and accepts the agreement, congratulating the client on the order. keeping it in mind, as well as a pledge to keep the cost of Air Force One as low as possible.

Boeing, U.S. Air Force Extend C-17 Sustainment Partnership with Phased Contract Valued at Up To $23.8 Billion

Advertisement

Following that, an agreement was struck to reduce the cost of the VC 25B to the Pentagon, which will replace the current pair of substantially modified 747-200s that fly as Air Force One when the president is on board. Rather than designing a new 747-8 airframe from scratch, Boeing offered a pair of stored 747-8s that had been slated for defunct Russian Transaero, capping the taxpayers’ cost at US$ 3.9 billions.

Boeing 747 jet clocked up just 42 hours in the sky is scrapped

Advertisement
Boeing lost $1.3 bn as result of Donald Trump tweet of 747 Air Force One

New Boeing US Air force one model – Courtesy : Herald Net

That choice, made in this case to keep the cost of the planes down, created the conditions of technical and certification concerns. Boeing has also had to deal with the Covid outbreak, supplier concerns, and B737 Max issues. There were numerous factors that caused Boeing to suffer a significant loss. Even the New President’s plane, however, will not transport the current White House occupant until 2026, at least two years later.

Boeing to Highlight Sustainability, Technology and Partnerships at Singapore Airshow 2022

The new Presidential aircraft would be converted from Russian airline Transaero’s undelivered 747-8 Intercontinental from Boeing, which was holding them in the Mojave Desert to avoid corrosion, in order to save money on the replacement programme. These planes will be retrofitted with telecommunications and security equipment to bring them up to the required security level of presidential aircraft, but without the aerial refuelling capability originally requested because the structural reinforcements required cannot be retrofitted onto an existing airframe.

Advertisement

Top 5 facts about Boeing’s T7 Red Hawk trainer aircraft

Boeing lost $1.3 bn as result of Donald Trump tweet of 747 Air Force One

Graphic representation

The new VC-25Bs will have a range of 5,900 nautical miles, which is less than some Gulfstream and Bombardier private aircraft, as well as the present Air Force One’s range of limitless miles, which averages 6,800 nautical miles (or 12,600 kilometres). This is because to the VC-25As’ ability to refuel from an aerial fuel tank, allowing them to fly for as long as the president chooses while receiving top-offs.

Furthermore, the Boeing 747-8i is the company’s next-generation engines for General Electric, which are more fuel-efficient than the current Air Force One aircraft’s out-of-date engines. Despite the 747-8i’s increased square footage, the Air Force will save $1.9 billion by flying the new aircraft.

Advertisement

Boeing lost $1.3 bn as result of Donald Trump tweet of 747 Air Force One

Despite their bigger size, the VC-25Bs will carry the same number of passengers: 71. This provides additional space for non-passenger areas such as the president’s office, communications bay, medical suite, or private bedroom.

According to DefenseOne, the Air Force said in April that Boeing will write the owner’s manual for the new VC-25B aircraft, for which the military branch will pay $84 million. The manual is expected to be over 100,000 pages long and won’t be ready in time for the plane’s expected delivery to the Air Force. The $84 million is part of the project’s $5.3 billion price tag.

Advertisement

After President Trump renegotiated the deal, Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun announced in April 2022 that he expects the company to lose $660 million on the VC-25B programme.

The new VC 25B livery will be based on Trump’s preference for black and white, and will be featured on new president aircraft in the same colour scheme as his personal Boeing 757. However, the new president of the United States, Joe Biden, has yet to decide if the iconic blue and white theme colour on aeroplane should be maintained.

Advertisement

————

Advertisement

Aerospace

HAL Plans Batch Upgrades for Sukhoi-30MKI Fleet

Published

on

HAL Plans Batch Upgrades for Sukhoi-30MKI Fleet

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), India’s state-owned aerospace and military firm, is planning a significant modernization programme to improve the capabilities of the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Sukhoi-30MKI aircraft fleet. This massive project, which is set to begin in fiscal year 2026-27.

The cockpit of the Sukhoi-30MKI has been completely redesigned as the main point of this upgrade effort. In a state-of-the-art makeover, new-generation touch widescreen checks will replace the present cockpit displays. This improvement is expected to improve pilot situational awareness, data visualization, and control over the aircraft’s systems, leading to a more responsive and accessible interface.

Advertisement

Delta to serve Mumbai nonstop from the U.S. in 2019(Opens in a new browser tab)

The addition of a new Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar system produced locally for the programme is critical to the upgrade plan. In electronic warfare settings, this radar technology is critical for improving targeting precision and performance. It improves the Sukhoi-30MKI’s ability to operate effectively in difficult operational conditions by improving detection and tracking capabilities.

Advertisement

Along with the radar update, the mission control computer—a crucial part of the aircraft’s avionics suite—will also see significant advancements. Given the updated Sukhoi-30MKI’s powerful radar system and new display infrastructure, these improvements are crucial to guaranteeing seamless integration and top performance.

Additionally, the modernization programme anticipates an improved arsenal of weaponry that may include advanced electronic defenses and ammunition. A powerful asset in both air-to-air and air-to-ground operations, this improvement will considerably increase the aircraft’s combat effectiveness.

Advertisement

Air India Plans To Lease 3 Boeing 777-300Er From Singapore Airlines(Opens in a new browser tab)

The modernization project planned by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) represents a significant stride in India’s quest for enhanced air combat capabilities and technological self-reliance. With the comprehensive redesign of the Sukhoi-30MKI aircraft fleet, encompassing cutting-edge cockpit displays, an indigenous AESA radar system, and an upgraded mission control computer, the Indian Air Force is on track to secure a formidable edge in contemporary aerial warfare.

Advertisement

This strategic initiative not only strengthens the Sukhoi-30MKI’s capabilities but also underscores India’s commitment to innovation and defense technology development.

In the pursuit of its ambitious upgrade plan, HAL, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, places a pivotal emphasis on successfully securing the much-needed approvals and financial sanctions from both the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the Indian Air Force (IAF).

Advertisement

This visionary project, if granted the necessary green light, is set to unfold over the course of multiple years, signifying a long-term commitment and dedication to a transformative goal. The overarching objective is nothing short of remarkable: to meticulously convert the entire existing fleet of Sukhoi-30MKI aircraft into the cutting-edge Super-30 variant, with the ambitious deadline set for the year 2034. The meticulous execution of this grand undertaking will proceed at a steady and methodical pace, with an annual target of transforming 20 to 25 aircraft.

Source

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Aerospace

Comparison between F-35A and F-15Ex

Published

on

Comparison between F-35A and F-15Ex

The F-35A and the F-15EX are both advanced aircraft developed by renowned aerospace companies, Lockheed Martin and Boeing respectively. Each aircraft boasts a distinct set of features and capabilities, making them well-suited for specific roles within modern air warfare. Let’s compare these two remarkable aircraft in terms of their primary functions, specifications, capabilities, and support.

Indonesia Announces Commitment to Acquire Boeing F-15EX(Opens in a new browser tab)

Advertisement

Primary Functions & costs

The F-35A, designed jointly by Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, has a wide range of primary roles. It excels at stealthy, all-weather strike missions, close air support, air superiority, maritime strike, reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and command and control operations. Its estimated price is roughly $80 million, with a flying cost per hour of less than $24,000, and its anticipated procurement is for 2025.

Advertisement

On the other hand, The F-15EX, developed by Boeing, serves as a cutting-edge aircraft with primary functions focused on air superiority and targeted strikes in less or uncontested airspace. Its estimated price is roughly $80.3 million, with a flying cost per hour of less than $27,000, and its anticipated procurement is for 2025.

specifications

Advertisement

The F-35 A is a single-seater aircraft with impressive characteristics that is Equipped with a powerful  Pratt & Whitney F135 engine. It can fly with a maximum takeoff weight of 65,918 lb (29,900 kg), with a fuel capacity of 18,250 lb. The aircraft measures 51.4 ft (15.7 m) in length, 35 ft (11 m) in wingspan, and 14.4 ft (4.4 m) in height. It has a combat radius of 670 miles and a top speed of Mach 1.6 at altitude. The service ceiling of the F-35A is 50,000 feet.

F-15 offers flexibility with a crew capacity of 1 or 2 individuals and is Powered by 2 General Electric F110-GE-129 engines. The maximum takeoff weight is an impressive 81,000 pounds (37,000 kg), supported by a fuel capacity of 13,550 lb. The aircraft spans 63.8 ft (19.446 m) in length, with a wingspan of 42.8 ft and a height of 18.5 ft (5.64 m). It achieves a maximum speed of Mach 2.5 at altitude and has a combat radius of 1,100 miles, with a service ceiling of 60,000 ft.

Advertisement

Radar cross-section & Weaponry

The F-35 A design is robust; in contrast to its 8,000-hour design life, its service life has been evaluated to reach 24,000 hours. The F-35A has an extremely low radar cross-section, at 3.8mm, which reduces its radar profile. It can transport a range of US and NATO air-to-air and ground weaponry, with an internal weight capacity of 5,700 pounds in stealth mode and 22,000 pounds in exterior “beast mode,” including a 25mm cannon.

Advertisement

US approves sale of 35 F-35A fighters to Germany for $8.4 billion(Opens in a new browser tab)

The F-15EX has a design life of 8,000 hours, although testing over 30,000 hours has shown it to be robust. It is relatively large on radar compared to the F-35 A due to its greatest radar cross-section of 42.8 feet. With a total weight of 29,500 pounds distributed among nine external stations, the aircraft is equipped with all US air-to-air and ground armaments, including a 20mm cannon.

Advertisement

Major differences from Earlier Versions

Multiple software and processor updates have been made to the F-35A. Progress includes improved weapon capability and electronic warfare systems. The current version, known as Block 3F baseline, is moving towards Block 4, with software and weapon improvements planned twice yearly in 2024.

Advertisement

The F-15 has undergone advancements since 2001, including the addition of digital fly-by-wire technology, enhanced display coding, and Suite 9 avionics. With a passive-active Warner survivability system, its cockpit display is similar to that of the T-x trainer and Eagle trainer.

Congressional support

Advertisement

Major constituencies like Texas, California, Georgia, and Florida have been vocal in their support for production, demonstrating the congressional leadership’s backing. In Utah, Arizona, and Nevada, notable bases and installations house or support the F-35A. In order to demonstrate its broad reach, Lockheed has distributed F-35 subcontracts to all 50 states.

Regions in Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, and Washington are actively supporting production, which has significant congressional support. North Carolina, Oregon, and Georgia all have significant institutions that support F-15 operations. Boeing’s wide influence is evident, with business conducted in all 50 states.

Advertisement

Boeing Integrates Eagle Passive Active Warning and Survivability System onto U.S. Air Force F-15s(Opens in a new browser tab)

In conclusion, while both the F-35A and the F-15EX are cutting-edge innovations in military aircraft, they excel in different domains. The F-15EX is a strong option for uncontested airspace situations due to its focus on air superiority and focused strikes, remarkable performance, and cost-effectiveness. While the F-35A’s stealth capabilities and versatile design make it suitable for a variety of tasks. Both are remarkable aircraft with their own strengths and capabilities, catering to different mission profiles and strategic objectives.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Aerospace

UAE reportedly seeking a role in KF21 fighter jet

Published

on

By

UAE reportedly seeking a role in KF21 fighter jet

The Financial News, a South Korean daily, said on Thursday that the UAE’s Tawazun Economic Council had sent a letter to South Korea’s Office of National Security explaining Abu Dhabi’s desire in direct cooperation on the development of the KF-21.

Surprisingly, the letter allegedly requested that Abu Dhabi replace Indonesia’s investment in the program.

Advertisement

South Korea’s KF-21 Boramae Takes To the Air(Opens in a new browser tab)

Indonesia holds a 20% shareholding but has failed to meet its financial obligations. Jakarta, which had planned to purchase up to 50 KF-21s, joined the program in 2010 but fell behind on payments in 2017, owing an estimated $557 million by July 2022. In May, Jakarta attempted to assuage Seoul’s fears by announcing a revised payment schedule.

Advertisement

The KF-21 Boramae’s stealth capabilities are a crucial feature. The aircraft is equipped with modern stealth technology such as a low-observable design, radar-absorbent materials, and internal weapon carriage.

These features lower the radar cross-section of the aircraft, making it more difficult to detect and track hostile radars. The KF-21’s stealth characteristics increase its survivability and allow it to more effectively infiltrate opposing defenses.

Advertisement

Top 8 facts about South Korean KF 21 Fighter jet: Specification, Partnerships, Weapons, and capacity(Opens in a new browser tab)

The UAE’s alleged interest is not surprising. After all, Abu Dhabi pledged $30 billion in South Korean businesses, including defense, in January. The affluent Arab kingdom inked a $3.5 billion contract with South Korea for the Cheongung II KM-SAM air defense missile system in January 2022, the largest-ever arms export transaction for Seoul at the time.

Advertisement

As these multibillion-dollar investments in the South Korean industry illustrate, the UAE would have little issue repaying Indonesia’s debt to the Boramae programme. Furthermore, Abu Dhabi would surely be interested in co-producing the fighter since it would aid in the development of its domestic defence sector through significant technology transfers, which Seoul has proven to be generous with.

The UAE has halted talks with the US over a record sale for 50 fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II stealth planes in late 2021 due to differences over American preconditions and Emirati cooperation with China.

Advertisement

South Korean KF -21 Boramae vs Indian built HAL Tejas MK2 aircraft comparison(Opens in a new browser tab)

The KF-21 Boramae is powered by two General Electric F414-GE-400K afterburning turbofan engines. These engines provide the necessary thrust for the aircraft’s high-performance capabilities. The F414 engines are known for their reliability, fuel efficiency, and ability to operate in various environmental conditions. They enable the KF-21 to achieve the supersonic speeds and maneuverability required for air combat scenarios.

Advertisement

On the other hand, India, China, and Turkey are already in the process of developing their own Fifth Generation Fighter Jet. Turkey has already exhibited it and is awaiting the final engine selection for their 5th generation fighter plane. Americans are looking forward to the 6th generation fighter jet, which will be the most advanced in terms of engine thrust and weapons technology.

Most countries are working together to develop collaborative efforts to build their own fighter plane.

Advertisement

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Advertisement

Advertisement

Trending