Air Force One is the callsign used for any aircraft carrying the President of the United States. Since the 1990s, that's typically meant one of a few Boeing VC-25As, a military version of the iconic queen of the skies, also known as the Boeing 747.
But Air Force One isn't just any old plane, and its features are understandably unique. Costing $177,843 per hour to operate, it might just be the most expensive plane in the world.
Here are 11 facts and bits of history about the President's private jet.
1
Versions
First introduced during World War II, there have been many planes designed specifically for carrying the president. Models include the Lockheed Constellation, Columbine III, Boeing VC-137, and the current Boeing VC-25B.
2
Now There are Two of Them
There are two sister planes with the designation “Air Force One,” ensuring the President always has one ready to go.
3
Range
Air Force One has a larger fuel tank, and longer range than a standard 747. Holding 52,000 gallons, the plane can travel 12,000 miles, (or half the world), on a single fill-up.
4
Mid-Air Refueling
Like many military planes, Air Force One can refuel mid-air. This allows the president to stay airborne indefinitely in the event of an emergency.
5
Connectivity
Just because the wifi stinks on your Jet Blue flight, doesn’t mean the president has the same issues. With dozens of phones, fax machines, radios, and much more, there are layers and layers of redundancies to make sure the commander in chief is connected at all times.
6
Safety
Modern jets are incredibly safe machines, but Air Force One takes things to a new level. While nobody knows exactly what the plane is capable of, it is fitted with an armored body, radioactive shielding, a nuclear bunker, and presumably much more.
7
Homeland Security
The department of homeland security was created in a meeting on Air Force One.
8
Spy Plane?
Reportedly, without the President’s consent, Air Force one was fitted with spy equipment during the cold war. Hiding in plane sight, cameras in the wheel wells took high resolution photos. Who’s going to risk shooting down Air Force One?
9
Seating
Air Force One is NOT a private jet. There is assigned seating, and the secret service would much rather you stayed in those seats, thank you very much.
10
Capacity
Passenger Boeing 747s can carry over 600 people depending on configuration, but Air Force One isn’t any old jet. As a Boeing VC-25A, (a military version of the 747), it can accommodate a maximum of 102 passengers. (In addition to the President, executive staff, and flight staff.)
11
Price
It costs around $80,000 per person to fly on Air Force One. As a result, guest access is typically reserved for vetted press members. That’s one expensive first class ticket.
