Boeing (NYSE: BA) has received a potential $599.9 million contract modification from the U.S. Air Force to conduct preliminary design activities to convert a pair of 747-8 aircraft into presidential planes.
The modification covers the initial design of the future Air Force One fleet that includes the integration of a mission communication platform, self-defense system, autonomous ground operations capabilities, electrical power upgrades, executive interior and a medical facility into two 747-8 commercial aircraft, the Defense Department said Wednesday.
The service branch procured in August two Boeing-built 747-8Â aircraft that will be modified to replace the aging VC-25A planes as part of the Presidential Aircraft Recapitalization program.
Work will occur in Seattle, Washington, through Dec. 31, 2018.
The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center will obligate $102.2 million from fiscal 2017 research and development funds at the time of award.
The service said Wednesday it has begun talks with Boeing on a follow-on contract modification for the PAR program’s engineering and manufacturing development phase, which is set to be awarded by the summer of 2018.
