Bridge Jet: How a Qatar-Gifted 747-8i Becomes the Interim Air Force One

L3Harris converted a Qatar-gifted Boeing 747-8i into the interim VC-25B Bridge for Air Force One after Boeing’s VC-25B program was delayed, completing the work in about 10 months. The piece details how L3Harris missionized the aircraft, ensured secure, high-bandwidth communications, built training and sustainment programs, preserved much of the interior, and planned for a fleet of VC-25Bs while keeping the project aligned with White House and Air Force requirements.