The Boeing VC-25 is the designation of a United States Air Force passenger transportation aircraft, a military version of the Boeing 747.
Air Force One is the air traffic control call sign of any U.S. Air Force aircraft carrying the President of the United States. Since 1990, the presidential fleet has consisted of two specifically configured, highly customized Boeing 747-200B series aircraft with Air Force designation VC-25A.
The VC-25A is capable of flying 7,800 miles (12,600 km) roughly one-third the distance around the world without refueling and can accommodate more than 70 passengers.
Air Force One has become a symbol of presidential power and prestige. Each VC-25A costs approximately US$ 325 million.
The fabrication of the current 747s began under Ronald Reagan’s presidency. Most of the interior was completed in Wichita, Kansas.
The first aircraft was delivered in 1990, during the administration of George H. W. Bush. Delays were experienced to allow for additional work to protect the aircraft from electromagnetic pulse (EMP).
These aircraft are maintained and operated as military operations by the Presidential Airlift Group, part of Air Mobility Command’s 89th Airlift Wing, based at Andrews Air Force Base in Camp Springs, Maryland. For shorter distances, such as between Andrews AFB and the White House, the President is often flown in a U.S. Marine Corps Sikorsky VH-3D helicopter, called Marine One.
The VC-25A differ from the standard Boeing 747 in size, features, and security precautions. While Air Force One has three floors, like a regular Boeing 747, its interior has been reconfigured for presidential duties. The aircraft’s 4,000 square feet (370 m²) of interior floor space include multiple modifications. The aircraft’s lowest levels are mostly cargo space, carrying luggage and the onboard food supply. The plane has storage and freezer capacity to provide up to 2,000 meals when fully loaded. Meals are prepared in two galleys, which together are equipped to feed about 100 people at a time.
The main passenger area is on the second floor, and communications equipment and the cockpit are on the third floor. There are three entrances onboard, two on the lower and one on the main deck. Typically the president boards and deplanes from the front, main deck entrance via an airstair, while journalists and other passengers enter at the lower rear door. Facilities for the press and other passengers are configured like an ordinary airliner’s first-class cabin.
On board Air Force One are medical facilities, including a fold-out operating table, emergency medical supplies, and a well-stocked pharmacy; President George W. Bush had a treadmill added to Air Force One during his term in office. Every flight is staffed by a doctor. There are separate quarters for guests, senior staff, Secret Service and security personnel, and the news media.The president’s executive suite includes sleeping quarters with two couches that can be converted into beds, lavatory and shower, and private office.
These offices, including the president’s suite, are mostly located on the starboard, and a long corridor runs along the port. When Air Force One taxis to an airport’s ramp for events, it comes to a stop with the left side of the aircraft facing gathered onlookers.
In the office areas, Air Force One has photocopying, printing, and word processing services, as well as telecommunication systems (including 85 telephones and 19 televisions). There are also secure and non-secure voice, fax, and data communications facilities.
The planes can also be operated as a military command center in the event of an incident such as a nuclear attack. Operational modifications include aerial refueling capability and anti-aircraft missile countermeasures.
The electronics on board are connected with approximately 238 miles (383 km) of wiring, twice that of a regular 747. All wiring is covered with heavy shielding for protection from an electromagnetic pulse in the event of a nuclear attack. The planes also have electronic countermeasures (ECMs) to jam enemy radar, flares to avoid heat-seeking missiles, and chaff to avoid radar-guided missiles.
Many of Air Force One’s other capabilities are classified for security reasons.
Boeing VC-25A
Crew: 26 (three pilots, cabin crew)
Capacity: 76 passengers
Length: 231 ft 5 in (19.3 m)
Wingspan: 195 ft 8 in (59.6 m)
Height: 63 ft 5 in (19.3 m)
Zero-fuel weight: 526,500 lb (238,800 kg)
Max takeoff weight: 833,000 lb (375,000 kg)
Powerplant: 4× General Electric CF6-80C2B1 turbofan engines, 56,700 lbf (250 kN) each
Performance
Maximum speed: .92 Mach (1,015 km/h, 630 mph) at altitude
Range: 6,800 nm (12,550 km, 7,800 mi) unrefueled
Service ceiling: 45,100 ft (13,700 m)