Boeing announced Feb. 17 that it had delivered to USAF on Feb. 8 the E-4B National Airborne Operations Center aircraft the company had just completed upgrading at its Wichita, Kan. facility. The 11-month-long upgrade included “extensive programmed depot maintenance refurbishment” to ensure the aircraft can operate effectively and meet FAA safety requirements, stated the company release. Steve Wade, Boeing GM for Global Transport and Executive Systems noted that the E-4B is “the most advanced communications aircraft in the world and on alert 24/7.” The company is on tap to upgrade a second E-4B with a full Mod Block to include a senior leadership communications system.
The Air Force is in talks with Boeing to modify requirements for its new VC-25B presidential aircraft, in a push to get them into service by 2027. Boeing has given the Air Force a revised timeline that could bring the VC-25B aircraft earlier “if adjustments are made to requirements,” a…