What is the Air Force 1 plane?

Technically, “Air Force One” is used to designate any Air Force aircraft carrying the President, but it is now standard practice to use the term to refer to specific planes that are equipped to transport the Commander-in-Chief.

How many Air Force 1 planes are there?

Since 1990, the presidential fleet has consisted of two highly customized Boeing 747-200B (VC-25A) aircraft. The USAF has ordered two Boeing 747-8s to serve as the next presidential aircraft, with designation VC-25B.

What is special about Air Force One?

The VC-25A planes used as Air Force One are the most well-equipped and well-defended aircraft flying. Ready for business (with 85 phone lines) or wartime (they really can withstand a nuclear blast on the ground), today's Air Force One planes have 4,000 square feet of space for up to 76 passengers and a crew of 26.

Who can fly on Air Force One?

Air Force One can seat up to 70 people, which typically includes the president's senior advisers, Secret Service officers, reporters from various media outlets and other guests who may be accompanying the president.

Can Air Force One shoot missiles?

But the Air Force asserts the two planes are definitely military aircraft, designed to withstand an air attack. Among other things, the plane is outfitted with electronic counter measures (ECM) to jam enemy radar. The plane can also eject flares to throw heat-seeking missiles off course.

Secrets of US President’s $3.2 Billion Air Force One

What is the difference between Air Force 1 and 2 plane?

Similar to the president aboard "Air Force One," the designation of "Air Force Two" refers to any plane carrying the vice president, not a specific jet or model. Over the years, several different planes have carried the Air Force Two title, transporting vice presidents and their staff around the world.

Does Air Force One still fly?

Capabilities and Features - Current Presidential Airplane (Boeing 747-200) Today, the chief executive flies aboard a specially configured 747-200B, the newest and largest presidential airplane. Its capabilities include: Longer range for presidential travel.

Is Air Force One Armed?

And while the plane features a private residence, meeting rooms, a medical facility, and Secret Service agents, there are no weapons onboard. With an essential role of transporting US officials, let's look at how the Boeing VC-25 can thwart any attack despite being unarmed.

How much does an Air Force One pilot make?

Average U.S. Air Force Pilot yearly pay in the United States is approximately $85,410, which is 42% above the national average.

Can Air Force One refuel in flight?

Capable of refueling midair, Air Force One has unlimited range and can carry the President wherever he or she needs to travel.

Does Air Force One fly with fighter jets?

Kenneth Walsh: No, it is actually very unusual for Air Force One to be escorted by fighter jets. On 9/11 there were fighter escorts almost all day -- especially after the initial hour or two, but it is rare. The reason is that it is considered too hazardous to fly fighter jets through heavily trafficked American skies.

How long can Air Force One go without refueling?

Flugzeuginfo.net notes that the range of a Boeing 747-200 is 12,700km - equating to a maximum of 14 hours of flight at cruising speed. Of course, the VC-25As are modified, and their range will vary slightly from this.

Can Air Force One withstand a nuclear blast?

#1 It Can Survive A Nuclear Blast!

The body of the aircraft is designed to survive any kind of blast with: A wired mesh on the windows to prevent radiation. Hardened equipment and wiring to be undeterred by electromagnetic pulse. Thermal and nuclear shielding and measures to counter fire.

Does Air Force One fly faster than other planes?

It's (Almost) Supersonic

Air Force One has the ability to fly at a speed of over 600 miles per hour (or 92 percent of the speed of sound) -- so fast that F-16 fighter planes escorting the president's plane while in flight on September 11 had difficulty keeping up and had to ask the plane's pilot to slow down.

Where is Air Force 1 kept?

Today, these aircraft are operated and maintained by the Presidential Airlift Group, and are assigned to Air Mobility Command's 89th Airlift Wing located at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland.

What is the first lady's plane called?

The primary customers are the vice president, using the distinctive call sign "Air Force Two," the first lady, and members of the Cabinet and Congress. The C-32 is a specially configured version of the Boeing 757-200 commercial intercontinental airliner.

Does Trump travel on Air Force One?

Donald Trump had planned to use the 757 for campaigning during his exploratory, ultimately abandoned 2012 presidential bid. Trump used the 757 for transportation during his successful 2016 presidential campaign. After becoming President, Trump began to travel on the Boeing VC-25s commonly referred to as Air Force One.

Does Air Force One have a bedroom?

The aircraft's interior sprawls 4,000 square feet. Air Force One has a conference room, dining room, an Oval Office, a bedroom and bathroom for the president, as well as offices for senior staff members. The aircraft has a medical room and a separate operating room to handle medical emergencies.

What happens to Air Force One when it is retired?

Where do Air Force One aircraft go when retired? Most former high profile presidential aircraft survive, firmly trussed to the ground, at the Presidential Gallery of the National Museum of the United States Air Force. There you will find one of the Boeing 707s, or technically, a VC-137.

How many pilots does Air Force One have?

All aircraft, including the two that serve as Air Force One, are housed and maintained at Andrews, just 10 miles southeast of the White House. The wing employs 80 pilots and 89 flight attendants who are handpicked for this mission from the greater Air Force pool.

How many pilots are on Air Force One at a time?

The presidential fleet is based at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, home to the 89th Airlift Wing. This consists of around 1,000 service personnel, among whom are 80 pilots and 89 flight attendants who have been picked to serve on Air Force One.

Does Air Force One fly with a decoy?

Decoy Planes Are Used

One form of security the White House uses is to employ a decoy plane. There are actually two Air Force One planes for the president to use. One is a decoy, used as security to mislead the public and any potential threats about which plane the president is actually using.