Two billion for an airplane is ridiculous, unless it can fly to the moon.
There are plenty of C-17’s in the USAF inventory. Easily configured.
That would pretty cool using those. The press corp could use one configured for airborne drops.
The profit margin is listed and known to the USG. It is tracked clsoely and will not exceed 10% profit.
It is a unique aircraft with unique technology requirements and hardening and Top Secret capabilities, and that makes the platform expensive (cost per unit plus classified technology and other gear).
The USG has on site DCMA agents at all stages of development and they track the costs and reliability and other aspects that ensure the USG is not being taken to the cleaners. DCMA watches closely the development and costs, and are direct observers/participants of Program Management Reviews. . .no secrets kept from the USG.
It is not like Boeing just threw a number out there well beyond reasonable bounds (10% profit is well, well below commercial profit margins).
Not necessarily. A "stock" 747, without any of the extensive enhancement necessary to serve as AF1, costs over $400 million (and that's not counting the cost of the engines - long story why). The AF1 cost also undoubtedly includes development costs for the technologies involved, all of which is spread across two aircraft instead of thousands, as in the case of civilian versions.
I think Trump is actually using this example more as a shot across the bow to let defense contractors like Boeing know that when we begin rebuilding our military capability, they shouldn't expect it to be a free for all. There will be extensive oversight to ensure that the value for our tax dollars is maximized. I'm pretty sure that was what he was getting at.
My understanding is it's actually four aircraft. The VP also gets two.