Boeing has won two contracts for its Wichita-based development and modification center, valued at a combined $126 million. One contract is for $81 million of work on the presidential fleet of two modified Boeing 747-200Bs—designated VC-25As by the Air Force and given the call sign “Air Force One” when transporting the President. The other work is for a $45 million remanufacturing effort on the engine struts of KC-135E tankers. The contract stipulates that 72 engine struts are required by March 2008.
The Air Force is spending heavily on F-22 improvements through the end of the decade, suggesting it may not retire the jet in 2030 as it previously planned. New sensors, fuel tanks, communications, and electronic warfare systems are among the upgrades that comprise the package.