The US has taken delivery of a VC-25B Bridge aircraft from L3Harris Technologies at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, as part of the Air Force One fleet modernization program.
The platform, based on the Boeing 747-8i business jet, was configured within 10 months to serve an interim role while the military upgrades its core VC-25A executive airlift systems and develops long-term VC-25Bs through 2028.
L3Harris signed the modification deal in the second quarter of 2025 after US President Donald Trump accepted the plane as a gift from the Qatari government earlier that year.
‘Symbol of American Strength’
The VC-25B acts as an airborne command post, supported by an advanced communications suite to maintain a secure and uninterrupted relay of information in response to global events.
Previous details released by the air force noted that the platform’s fuselage is designed with a conference and dining room, an executive stateroom, a private office, and medical facility for minor emergencies.
It also features dual galleys capable of serving up to 100 meals at a single sitting.
The VC-25B is powered by four General Electric GEnx-2B67 turbofan engines for a range of 7,730 nautical miles (8,896 miles/14,316 kilometers) and speeds up to 660 miles (1,062 kilometers) per hour.
Training to operate the plane began in October 2025 with a leased Atlas Air 747-8F, a purchased Lufthansa 747-8i, and a full mock-up of the VC-25B interior.
“Through a trusted, fast-tracked partnership with the Air Force, we have proven that the US defense industrial base can move at maximum velocity when the mission demands it,” said Christopher Kubasik, CEO and chairman at L3Harris.
“L3Harris rose to the challenge, and we are deeply honored to deliver to the Commander-in-Chief a symbol of American strength that meets the nation’s highest standards without compromise.”
