The US Air Force confirmed on 17/4 that the VC-25B aircraft, the designation for the Boeing 747-8i gifted by Qatar last year, has commenced flight testing. This marks a significant step in its transformation into a presidential transport.
"We expect the aircraft to be delivered to the Presidential Airlift Group by summer 2026 at the latest," a US Air Force official stated.
Flight tracking data indicates the aircraft flew in Texas on 16/4, using the callsign VADER01. It departed from Majors Field airport in Greenville, Texas, traversing Oklahoma and two other Texas cities before returning to its origin. This airport hosts L3 Technologies, the company undertaking the aircraft's conversion.
The Boeing 747-8i gifted by Qatar to the US conducts a test flight in a video posted on 16/4. Video: X/kylegist
Video and images captured by aviation photographers show the aircraft in a white base paint. The US Air Force announced in February a new four-color paint scheme – red, white, dark blue, and yellow – for its senior leadership fleet, including Air Force One.
Photographs also reveal minimal notable changes to the aircraft's communication systems. The plane was already equipped with an extensive broadband satellite communication system upon its reception from Qatar. Among the added equipment are a few antennas, along with what appear to be two dish-shaped UHF satellite antennas.
According to the military news site War Zone, converting an aircraft into a secure vehicle capable of transporting a US president is a complex task. The plane must provide stable, secure communication capabilities, including those necessary to authorize a nuclear strike.
Historically, such aircraft require both internal and external reinforcement to withstand various threats. These include electromagnetic pulses from a nuclear detonation, anti-aircraft missiles, and intelligence gathering operations. This necessitates major structural modifications to the aircraft's exterior.
"Based on the limited images available, we have not found clear signs that the aircraft has been fitted with any integrated defense systems," War Zone reported.
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The Boeing 747-8i gifted by Qatar to the US conducts a test flight in a photo posted on 17/4. Photo: X/Tt33operator |
The Boeing 747-8i gifted by Qatar to the US conducts a test flight in a photo posted on 17/4. Photo: X/Tt33operator
The publication suggests a "more comprehensive and sophisticated integrated defense system" might be installed on the aircraft in the coming weeks. However, it expressed skepticism regarding the aircraft's ability to enter service by this summer, as previously stated by the US Air Force.
This test flight occurs amid ongoing delays by Boeing in converting two other 747-8i aircraft into Air Force One. These delays led President Donald Trump to propose using a temporary Air Force One while awaiting delivery of the primary planes.
The US Air Force stated on 17/4 that it is collaborating with Boeing to expedite progress, with the first of the two other aircraft expected for delivery by mid-2028. This timeline suggests the Qatar-gifted aircraft could serve as presidential transport for up to two years.
Pham Giang (According to War Zone)
