Boeing VC-25A

Photo by Coil B. Thouanel

The plane used by a head of state is generally seen as a symbol of that country's power, and is also regarded as a showcase of that country's technological capabilities in the aerospace field. In 1962 the US Air Force started to used the VC-137 version of the model 707 airliner as its premier presidential transport. after 25 years in which the type gave excellent service, the USAF decided to adopt a more modern machine with superior accommodation and more comprehensive systems as the new "Air Force One" The plane which the USAF deeded to purchase was a militarized and heavily adapted derivative of the model 747-200 "jumbo jet" with redesigned CF6-80C2B1engine. Entering service in 1989 with the 89th Military Airlift wing, those two VC-25A transport have advance avionics including special communication equipment with sophisticated coding/decoding gear to allow the president and his staff to keep in full and secure touch with US government agencies. The VC-25A carries a crew of 23 flight and maintenance personnel, and can accommodate 80 passengers. The internal floor area 4,000 sq. ft. has been divided into a presidential suite, a sick bay, several government offices with rest area, and two galleys. The presidential aircraft is based at Andrews Air Force Base just out side Washington DC. 

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