Undoubtedly the most famous plane in the world is Air Force One, the classic Boeing 747-200 super modified to meet the demand to transport the president of the USA. The aircraft is one of the most important from the USAF, as well as one of the most secret in the military aviation scene.
The VC-25 (its original name) is a VIP flying fortress, the aircraft's protection systems are taken to a level that is difficult to achieve.
There are actually two completely identical VC-25s, one called the VC-25A and the other VC-25B. Both were introduced in 1990, each aircraft costing around 300 million.
The aircraft have the following identification codes 28000 and 29000 on their vertical stabilizers
Among the security systems we can list:
- Protection system against electromagnetic pulses and nuclear explosions;
- Flare/chaff system;
- Revo Capability (In-flight Refueling). What makes it possible for the AF1 to fly indefinitely;
- Complex communications system, 85 telephones and satellite communication capability;
- Secret Service Room;
The aircraft has several other security systems, but not all of them are obviously disclosed by the authorities.
Inside, Air Force One proves to be very spacious and comfortable, it has a presidential suite at the front, a meeting room that has been shown in many films, an exclusive secret service sector, a press room and a guest room.
Altogether about Air Force One carries about 76 engers. The AF1 also has a medical space inside, which includes an operating table.
On the top floor there is a complete communication center. It also has a cockpit with space for the pilots, flight engineer and navigator (It should be noted that it is a Boeing 747-200).
Another thing that guarantees safety is the selection of AF1 pilots, the USAF makes a careful selection to promote an officer to presidential pilot.
other curiosities
The name "Air Force One" is used only when the President is on board the aircraft.
Given its vast security system, it is not often that the VC-25A/B is escorted by fighter jets, but it has happened.
On September 11, 2001, Air Force One was the safe haven for former US President George W. Bush. Bush was in the state of Florida when the twin tower attacks took place in New York. Fearing the president's life, the AF1 was used as protection for a long time and its stay in flight was escorted by fighter jets.
After the attacks, US air control, fearing further attacks, chose to veto all flights over the country. Only Air Force One and other military aircraft continued to fly on September 11, 2001.
Future Air Force One
The future of the AF1 is already defined, the current Boeings 747-200 converted into VC-25/B will be exchanged for new Boeings 747-8.
It is very likely that when the current VC-25s are withdrawn from service, they will be taken to an aeronautical museum in the USA.
The new aircraft are already going through the extensive process of modification and installation of multiple safety systems.
As with the current VC-25s, not much is known about what defense capabilities the new US presidential aircraft will have. But it is believed that there are systems such as: missile warning and defensive technologies, waste distribution systems and infrared directional countermeasures, in-flight refueling capability, among other features.
Then-President Donald Trump presented the aircraft's new livery. The new scheme will abandon the classic blue and white and will bring the red and dark blue that are present in the US flag.
The US government is planning to spend around 4 billion dollars on this aircraft exchange program. The forecast for delivery of the future VC-25 is for the year 2024.
logistical
When the president of the USA travels inside or outside the USA, a whole security scheme follows him, either by the secret service, by the local armed forces, auxiliary forces, department of transit and so on.
However, one thing is obvious, the multi-car presidential entourage suburban or the beasts (super-adapted presidential limousines) accompany the president and to carry all this there is great air logistical and then the heavy freighters of the USAF C-17 Globemaster III and the C-5 Galaxy come in.
With #POTUSinAsia we couldn't very well leave The Beast behind! pic.twitter.com/iCnady6Ag0
- US Secret Service (@SecretService) November 4, 2017
Vehicles are placed on these aircraft and in a matter of hours arrive at the desired location in advance.
However, sometimes the POTUS (nomenclature of the secret service for the president), makes its trips by helicopter and the same has the capacity to be adapted for a fast and practical transport in the aircraft.
Marine One
Yes, in addition to the beast (“tank limousine”) and the AF1, the US president has Marine One, the presidential helicopters, at his disposal. The name Marine already indicates that the entire operation is carried out by the Marines (Marine Corps). In the past, the presidential helicopter operation was divided between the Marines and the Army.
Today two helicopter models make up the presidential fleet, the VH-3D Sea King and the VH-60N White Hawk.
As is done with AF1, Marine One pilots undergo a careful selection so that they can become presidential pilots.
Helicopters are used to transport the president in various situations, whether in the capital, across the country or even on international trips. So there are several units of presidential helicopters available to the president.
Just like the AF1, the current Marines One will also be exchanged and this should happen next year.
The new Marine One will be the VH-92A, the new aircraft has even performed landing and takeoff tests at the White House.
