Boeing VC-25
VC-25 | |
---|---|
VC-25A 28000 over Mount Rushmore in February 2001 | |
Role | Presidential transport |
National origin | United States |
Manufacturer | Boeing |
First flight | 16 May 1987 (VC-25A) |
Introduction | 23 August 1990 (VC-25A) |
Status | In service (VC-25A) In development (VC-25B) |
Primary user | United States Air Force |
Produced | 1986–1990 (VC-25A) |
Number built | 2 (VC-25A) |
Developed from | VC-25A: Boeing 747-8I
|
The Boeing VC-25 is a military version of the Boeing 747 airliner, modified for presidential transport and commonly operated by the United States Air Force (USAF) as Air Force One, the call sign of any U.S. Air Force aircraft carrying the president of the United States.
Only two examples of this aircraft type are in service; they are highly modified Boeing 747-200Bs, designated VC-25A and having
Development
By 1985, the pair of
The VC-25s were completed in 1986 and first flew in 1987.
The Air Force reported that the operating cost for each VC-25A in 2014 was $210,877 (~$267,357 in 2023) per hour.[4]
Design and configuration
The VC-25 is capable of flying 7,800 miles (12,600 km)—roughly one-third the distance around the world—without refueling. The VC-25A can accommodate more than 70 passengers.[5] Each VC-25A cost approximately $325 million. While the VC-25 has two main decks and a cargo area, like a regular Boeing 747, its 4,000 square feet (370 m2) of floor space has been reconfigured for presidential duties. Its lowest level is mostly cargo space, carrying luggage and the onboard food supply. The main passenger area is on the second floor or main deck.[6] The upper deck contains the cockpit and the communications center.
Typically, the president boards and disembarks from the front, main deck entrance using a mobile stairway, while journalists and other passengers enter at the rear door of the main deck.[7] However, the aircraft also has built-in airstairs that lead to the lower deck, typically used when security concerns make the use of a mobile stairway impractical.[8]
The "White House"
The front section of the aircraft is informally called the "White House", a reference to the
On board the VC-25 is a medical annex, which includes a fold-out operating table, emergency medical supplies, and a well-stocked pharmacy. George W. Bush had a treadmill added to Air Force One during his term in office. Every flight is staffed by a doctor and nurse. The aircraft is self-sufficient, such as carrying all the food it will need. Meals are prepared in two galleys, which together are equipped to feed up to 100 people at a time.[6] The president gets a personal menu. An area where guests sit is near the center of the aircraft, outside the "White House".[6]
There are separate quarters for guests, senior staff,
Operational history
VC-25A
The VC-25A replaced the
The aircraft can also be operated as a military command center in the event of an incident such as a nuclear attack. Operational modifications include
After a presidential inauguration resulting in a change in office, the outgoing president is provided transport on a VC-25 aircraft to their home destination. The aircraft for this flight does not use the Air Force One call sign because it is not carrying the president in office. For both Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, the flight was known as Special Air Mission 28000, where the number represents the aircraft's tail number.[11][12]
The VC-25As have also been used to transport deceased former presidents, as the guest area aft of "the White House" has chairs and tables that can be removed and the casket laid in their place.[6] The bodies of Ronald Reagan, Gerald Ford, and George H.W. Bush were transported to Washington for their state funerals, and then on to their final resting places. Colonel Mark Tillman, pilot for President George W. Bush, said, "We'll take care of the president from basically when he's in office to when he lays in state."[6] For the funeral of President Ronald Reagan in 2004, Tillman said that the crew converted the front of the aircraft to look the way it would have appeared when Reagan was president; President and Nancy Reagan's Air Force One jackets were placed on the chairs to "make them feel at home".[6] A specially designed hydraulic lifter (similar to the type used by airline catering) with the presidential seal affixed to the sides lifts the casket up to the portside aft door to enter the VC-25A. The tradition of placing the caskets in the passenger cabin dates back to the assassination of John F. Kennedy, when the crew did not want the president's body placed in the cargo hold,[13] and again during the state funeral of Lyndon B. Johnson.[14]
The two VC-25As are slated for retirement by the end of 2025.[15][16]
VC-25B
The VC-25A aircraft are aging and have become less cost-effective to operate. The USAF Air Mobility Command investigated possible replacements, with early press coverage suggesting that the USAF would consider the
On 10 May 2016, the Air Force posted online an amendment to its Air Force One contract authorizing Boeing to begin preliminary design activities. This version of the contract synopsis confirmed that the government will buy two modified 747-8 aircraft. Boeing was awarded a contract in January 2016 to identify cost reduction opportunities in areas including maintenance, aerial refueling and communications.[24][25] On 15 July 2016, Boeing received another contract for pre-engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) risk-reduction to address "system specification, the environmental control system, the aircraft interior, the electrical and power system and sustainment and maintenance approaches" to reduce development risks and life-cycle costs.[26]
On 1 August 2017, Defense One reported that in an effort to pay less for the replacement program, the USAF entered into a contract to purchase two
In June 2019, President Trump announced his plans to revamp the VC-25's
The 747s began undergoing modification work at the Boeing's San Antonio facility in 2020.[36] According to The Wall Street Journal, the development process has been hit by multiple "production mishaps", including the discovery of empty tequila mini-bottles on one of the aircraft, and the use of jacks that were not rated to support the weight of the aircraft. While the jacking did not result in damage to the planes, "the Pentagon's contractor-management agency formally requested Boeing improve its operations."[37]
While the initial delivery date was set to 2024, the Pentagon expects the jets to be two to three years late,[33] with the Air Force projecting delivery of the first VC-25B in 2027, and the other in 2028, as of a 2023 press release.[35] Once the new aircraft are delivered, the VC-25As will be retired and placed in museums.[38]
Variants
- VC-25A
- based on the Boeing 747-200B
- VC-25B
- based on the Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental
Operators
- United States Air Force
- Andrews AFB, Maryland
Specifications (VC-25A)
Data from Boeing BDS[39]
General characteristics
- Crew: 26: 2 pilots, flight engineer, navigator,[2] + cabin crew + mission crew
- Capacity: 76 passengers
- Length: 231 ft 10 in (70.66 m)
- Wingspan: 196 ft 8 in (59.94 m)
- Height: 63 ft 5 in (19.33 m)
- Max takeoff weight: 833,000 lb (377,842 kg)
- Powerplant: 4 × General Electric CF6-80C2B1 turbofanengines, 56,700 lbf (252 kN) thrust each
Performance
- Maximum speed: 547.5 kn (630.1 mph, 1,014.0 km/h) at 35,000 ft (10,668 m)
- Maximum speed: Mach 0.92
- Cruise speed: 500 kn (580 mph, 930 km/h) / M0.84 at 35,000 ft (10,668 m)
- Range: 6,800 nmi (7,800 mi, 12,600 km)
- Service ceiling: 45,100 ft (13,700 m)
Notable appearances in media
The VC-25 "Air Force One" is a prominent symbol of the U.S. presidency and its powers; with the
See also
Related development
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
References
- Notes
- ^ Thomas, H. "U.S. considers Air Force One from Airbus." Archived 6 April 2009 at the Wayback Machine heraldnet.com, 17 January 2009. Retrieved: 26 June 2009.
- ^ a b c Jenkins 2000, pp. 55–56.
- ^ Williams, Rudi. "Reagan Makes First, Last Flight in Jet He Ordered." Archived 8 April 2016 at the Wayback Machine U.S. Department of Defense, 10 June 2004. Retrieved: 28 July 2013.
- ^ Butler, Amy, and Guy Norris, "Foregone Conclusion", Aviation Week and Space Technology, 9 June 2014, pp. 40-41.
- ^ "VC-25 - Air Force One". Air Force. Archived from the original on 17 January 2024. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Wallace, Chris (host). "Aboard Air Force One." Fox News, 24 November 2008. Retrieved: 28 November 2008.
- ^ Harris, Tom. "How Air Force One Works." Archived 13 April 2010 at the Wayback Machine HowStuffWorks.com. Retrieved: 10 October 2006.
- National Public Radio. Retrieved 19 February 2024.
- National Geographic Channel, 25 January 2009. Retrieved: 26 June 2009.
- ^ "Air Force One: The President’s office in the sky" Archived 12 August 2022 at the Wayback Machine. The White House Retrieved: 12 August 2022.
- ^ Felsenthal, Carol. "When Bill Clinton Left the White House" Archived 22 December 2015 at the Wayback Machine. Chicago Daily Observer, 22 January 2009. Retrieved: 26 June 2009.
- ^ "Bush flies to Texas to begin post-presidential life." Archived 21 August 2017 at the Wayback Machine The New York Times, 20 January 2009. Retrieved: 9 September 2011.
- ^ Bernstein, Adam (29 April 2006). "Col. James Swindal; Piloted Air Force One After Kennedy's Death". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on 13 November 2012. Retrieved 16 August 2011.
- ^ Foley, Thomas (25 January 1973). "Thousands in Washington Brave Cold to Say Goodbye to Johnson". Los Angeles Times. p. A1.
- Air Force Magazine. Retrieved 8 September 2022.
- ^ John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (PDF) (Public Law 115-232). 13 August 2018. p. 34.
- ^ "US considers Airbus A380 as Air Force One and potentially a C-5 replacement". Flight Global. 17 October 2007. Archived from the original on 11 April 2016. Retrieved 27 March 2016.
- ^ "USAF Presidential Aircraft Recapitalization (PAR) Program." Archived 31 March 2019 at the Wayback Machine USAF Materiel Command, 7 January 2009. Retrieved: 8 January 2009.
- ^ "EADS waves off bid for Air Force One replacement". Flight Global. 28 January 2009. Archived from the original on 19 March 2016. Retrieved 27 March 2016.
- ^ "USAF Presidential Aircraft Recapitalization (PAR) Program, Interested Vendors List." Archived 17 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine USAF Materiel Command, 7 January 2009. Retrieved: 8 January 2009.
- ^ Butler, Amy. "Boeing Only Contender for New Air Force One." Archived 14 February 2016 at the Wayback Machine Aviation Week, 28 January 2009. Retrieved 28 January 2009.
- ^ AF Identifies Boeing 747-8 platform for next Air Force One Archived 3 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine.
- ^ Mehta, Aaron. "Boeing Tapped for Air Force One Replacement" [dead link]. Defense News, 28 January 2015
- ^ "Presidential Aircraft Recapitalization". FedBizOpps. 10 May 2016. Archived from the original on 2 October 2018. Retrieved 12 May 2016.
- ^ "A new Air Force One for Trump or Clinton is on the way". Air Force Times. 11 May 2016. Retrieved 12 May 2016.
- ^ "Boeing Wins Second Air Force One Contract". Aviation Week. 21 July 2016. Archived from the original on 9 June 2021. Retrieved 21 July 2016.
- ^ Kevin Breuninger, Amanda Macias (27 February 2018). "The White House cuts $3.9 billion deal with Boeing for two new Air Force Ones". CNBC. Archived from the original on 27 February 2018. Retrieved 27 February 2018.
- ^ "Trump Wanted a Cheaper Air Force One. So the USAF Is Buying a Bankrupt Russian Firm's Undelivered 747s". Defense One. Archived from the original on 1 August 2017. Retrieved 2 August 2017.
- ^ "CEO: Boeing Should Have Rejected Trump's Air Force One Deal". 27 April 2022. Retrieved 27 April 2022.
- ^ Allen, Mike (12 July 2018). "Scoop: Trump wants tough new Air Force One paint job". Axios. Archived from the original on 3 October 2020. Retrieved 8 October 2020.
- ^ "Trump to redesign Air Force One". BBC News. 17 July 2018. Archived from the original on 7 August 2020. Retrieved 8 October 2020.
- ^ Patton, Phil (24 February 2009). "Air Force One: The Graphic History". American Institute of Graphic Arts. Archived from the original on 21 February 2020. Retrieved 8 October 2020.
- ^ ISSN 0099-9660. Retrieved 15 July 2022.
- ^ a b Liebermann, Oren (10 March 2023). "New color scheme unveiled for Air Force One that discards Trump's design". CNN. Retrieved 11 March 2023.
- ^ a b "New paint design for 'Next Air Force One'". U.S. Air Force. Air Force News Service. 10 March 2023. Retrieved 11 March 2023.
- ^ "First New Air Force One Begins Modification Process". 11 March 2020.
- ISSN 0099-9660. Retrieved 15 July 2022.
- ^ Bush Foundation wants retiring Air Force One for museum
- ^ "Air Force One Technical Specs." Archived 22 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine Boeing Defense, Space and Security. Retrieved: 26 March 2016.
- ^ "'We're the Only Plane in the Sky'". Politico. September 2016.
Gordon Johndroe: You cannot hide a blue-and-white 747 that says 'United States of America' across the top. You can't move it secretly through the daylight.
- ^ Hardesty 2003, p. 15.
- Bibliography
- "VC-25 - Air Force One" Fact Sheet. Archived 25 October 2014 at the Wayback Machine United States Air Force, 1 July 2003.
- Albertazzie, Ralph and Jerald F. Terhorst. Flying White House: The Story of Air Force One. Book Sales, 1979. ISBN 0-698-10930-9.
- Braun, David. Q&A: U.S. Presidential Jet Air Force One. Archived 14 April 2010 at the Wayback Machine National Geographic News, 29 May 2003.
- Dorr, Robert F. Air Force One. St. Paul, Minnesota: Motorbooks International, 2002. ISBN 0-7603-1055-6.
- Hardesty, Von. Air Force One: The Aircraft that Shaped the Modern Presidency. Chanhassen, Minnesota: Northword Press, 2003. ISBN 1-55971-894-3.
- Harris, Tom. "How Air Force One Works". Archived 13 April 2010 at the Wayback Machine HowStuffWorks.com. Retrieved: 10 October 2006.
- Jenkins, Dennis R. Boeing 747-100/200/300/SP (AirlinerTech Series, Vol. 6). North Branch, Minnesota: Specialty Press, 2000. ISBN 1-58007-026-4.
- "Technical Order 00-105E-9, Segment 9, Chapter 7." Archived 22 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine
- Walsh, Kenneth T. Air Force One: A History of the Presidents and Their Planes. New York: Hyperion, 2003. ISBN 1-4013-0004-9.