Yeah;
Quote:
"Further analysis concluded darker colors, among other factors, on the underside of the VC-25B aircraft might contribute to temperatures exceeding the current qualification limits of a small number of components," a spokesperson, Ann Stefanek, said in a statement.
A small number of components might overheat if it's parked on the ground for a while with them running in Phoenix in August is what I read into that. The 'other factors' are probably that the Biden admin was essentially determined to undo every single thing they could that Trump had touched.
Aside, as the 747's days of passenger operation are limited, the
USAF wound up buying a couple from LH recently for use as trainers long term (this will probably also keep pilots current on the
new E-4C platform also based on the 748). I suspect N747D (former Qatari VIP one donated to the US) will be retained by USAF and used for most domestic travel after Trump leaves office. It
might have already been painted even in Waco, but I have no evidence for that.
So ultimately we will get at least 2 E-4, 2 VC-25B, and 2 'trainers', as well as the former Qatari one so I think my cowboy math says the USAF will be operating no less than 7 748's within a few years. I'd speculate the E-4's won't get the new livery but the rest likely will.
