
The U.S. Air Force has awarded a nearly $600 million contract modification to Boeing [BA] to conduct the initial design of a replacement for the Air Force One presidential jets, the service announced Sept. 13.The 18-month contract modification calls for Boeing to incorporate a mission communication system, electrical power upgrades, a medical facility, an executive interior, a self-defense system, and autonomous ground operations capabilities into two commercial Boeing 747-8s, the Air Force said.A preliminary design review is targeted for the…