Air Force One is the call sign for any U.S. Air Force aircraft carrying the president, but it most commonly refers to two highly customized Boeing 747-200B aircraft designated VC-25A, with tail numbers 28000 and 29000. These planes are military versions of the Boeing 747 airliner, extensively modified for presidential transport
. Key details about the VC-25A (Air Force One) include:
- Manufacturer: Boeing
- Model: Modified Boeing 747-200B
- Length: 231 feet 10 inches (70.7 meters)
- Wingspan: 195 feet 8 inches (59.6 meters)
- Height: 63 feet 5 inches (19.3 meters)
- Engines: Four General Electric CF6-80C2B1 turbofan engines, each producing 56,700 pounds of thrust
- Maximum speed: Approximately 630 mph (Mach 0.92)
- Range: About 7,800 statute miles (12,550 kilometers)
- Crew: Around 30 personnel
- Passenger capacity: About 71, including the president and staff
- Features: Advanced communications and electronics, self-contained baggage loader, front and aft air-stairs, in-flight refueling capability, and extensive security and defense systems including electronic countermeasures and EMP shielding
Two newer aircraft, designated VC-25B and based on the Boeing 747-8I, are in development to replace the current VC-25A planes
. In summary, Air Force One is a specialized military version of the Boeing 747-200B, designated VC-25, equipped for secure, long-range presidential travel with advanced communication, defense, and comfort features.
