Rumors are that the dark blue underbelly of the plane has started to turn algae-green ...

OK, taking a step back here ...

Bribe Force 1 (apologies for using that appellation, but it seems apropos) was a civilian jet that was attempted to be outfitted as an Air Force 1 jet.

So, trying to retrofit security onto/into a jet that was basically intended as a comfy, gawdy jet.

And the retrofit seems to have made it even gawdier. Security be damned. Mid-flight refueling? Not needed. etc., ...

Meanwhile, the Boeing jets that are outfitted to serve as an Air Force 1 jet are initially military jets at the start. And their inherent security measures are outfitted to provide comfort.

But the security of the president seems to be the first and foremost aim.

@#9 ... Anyone recall Trump claiming the plane was just being sent to Europe so US troops could tour it? ...

I saw him saying that.

At the time my first thought was along the lines of... ~what's he covering up?~

Now Pres Trump finally seems to admit the real reason.

Qatar 1 was a civilian aircraft that was attempted to be at the capability level of a usual Air Force 1.

And it failed in that aspect.

OK, let's take a step back here, and look at things ...

Qatar 1 was originally a civilian Boeing aircraft.

The Air Force 1 planes start out as military planes.

OK, from the get-go, there is a huge difference in the planes, military vs civilian usage.

So, then the question becomes, how much money needs to be spent upon a civilian aircraft, Qatar 1, in order to bring it up to the standards of a military Air Force 1 aircraft?

So far, I see $400 million, and counting.