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Pentagon selects Boeing plane to replace Air Force One

By Aileen Graef
The Pentagon announced Wednesday they plan to replace the jets used for Air Force One with two Boeing 747-8. UPI/Drew Angerer/POOL
The Pentagon announced Wednesday they plan to replace the jets used for Air Force One with two Boeing 747-8. UPI/Drew Angerer/POOL | License Photo

WASHINGTON, Jan. 29 (UPI) -- The Pentagon announced Wednesday it has chosen the Boeing 747-8 as the plane to replace the current Air Force One as it nears retirement.

The current planes are Boeing 747-200s and are set to hit their 30-year retirement in 2017.

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Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James said the plane is the only aircraft, "manufactured in the United States [that] when fully missionized meets the necessary capabilities established to execute the presidential support mission, while reflecting the office of the President of the United States of America consistent with the national public interest."

In addition to living and working quarters for the president and his staff, it will be outfitted with advanced communications equipment and security measures including antimissile devices.

The U.S. Air Force slated $1.65 billion between 2015 and 2019 for the replacement jets but did not specify the cost or the delivery date.

The list price for the 747-8 is $368 million.

The U.S. Navy is also looking to replace Marine One and the other helicopters used to carry top officials and dignitaries. A new Marine One is projected to land on the South lawn in 2020.

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