What Plane is Air Force One?
Introduction
Air Force One is the official air traffic control call sign of any aircraft carrying the President of the United States. But what plane is Air Force One? The answer is not as simple as it seems. Over the years, the US Air Force has operated several different aircraft under the Air Force One designation, each with its own unique characteristics and capabilities. In this article, we will explore the history of Air Force One and the various planes that have carried this prestigious call sign.
Early Years: The Convair 580 and 880
The first plane to carry the Air Force One designation was a Convair 580. This twin-engine propeller plane was used by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in the late 1950s. The Convair 580 was a converted commercial airliner, specifically modified for presidential use.
In the early 1960s, the Convair 880 replaced the Convair 580. The Convair 880 was a jet-powered version of the Convair 580, with a higher top speed and longer range.
The Boeing 707 Era
In 1962, the Boeing 707 became the primary aircraft for Air Force One. The Boeing 707 was a highly advanced jet airliner that offered improved performance, range, and comfort. Three Boeing 707s were specifically modified for presidential use, with upgraded avionics, secure communication systems, and specialized amenities.
The Boeing 747 Era
In 1973, the Boeing 747 became the new primary aircraft for Air Force One. The Boeing 747 was a wide-body jet with a large cabin and impressive range. Two Boeing 747s were modified for presidential use, with features such as a cabin pressurization system, in-flight catering, and secure phone lines.
The Boeing 757 and 767 Era
In the 1990s, the Boeing 757 and Boeing 767 aircraft were introduced to the Air Force One fleet. The Boeing 757 was used for shorter-range missions, while the Boeing 767 was used for longer-range flights. Two Boeing 757s and two Boeing 767s were modified for presidential use.
The Boeing 747-8 Era
In 2015, the Boeing 747-8 became the new primary aircraft for Air Force One. The Boeing 747-8 is a highly advanced wide-body jet with improved performance, range, and comfort. One Boeing 747-8 was modified for presidential use, with features such as a state-of-the-art avionics system, secure internet connectivity, and luxurious amenities.
Current Fleet: The VC-25A
The current Air Force One fleet consists of two highly modified Boeing 747-8s, designated VC-25A. The VC-25A is a state-of-the-art aircraft with advanced features such as:
- Secure communication systems
- Advanced navigation and avionics systems
- Luxurious amenities, including a presidential suite, conference room, and galley
- Self-defense systems, including missile defense capabilities
Comparison of Air Force One Aircraft
Here is a comparison of the various Air Force One aircraft:
| Aircraft | Model | Year | Range | Speed | Passengers | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Convair 580 | Convair 580 | 1959 | 2,500 miles | 425 mph | 30 | Propeller plane |
| Convair 880 | Convair 880 | 1960 | 5,000 miles | 550 mph | 40 | Jet-powered version of Convair 580 |
| Boeing 707 | Boeing 707 | 1962 | 5,000 miles | 600 mph | 90 | Primary aircraft for 20 years |
| Boeing 747 | Boeing 747 | 1973 | 8,000 miles | 650 mph | 130 | Wide-body jet with large cabin |
| Boeing 757 | Boeing 757 | 1990 | 3,500 miles | 550 mph | 80 | Used for shorter-range missions |
| Boeing 767 | Boeing 767 | 1990 | 6,000 miles | 600 mph | 120 | Used for longer-range missions |
| Boeing 747-8 | Boeing 747-8 | 2015 | 8,000 miles | 650 mph | 120 | Current primary aircraft |
| VC-25A | Boeing 747-8 | 2015 | 8,000 miles | 650 mph | 120 | State-of-the-art aircraft with advanced features |
Conclusion
Air Force One is not just a single aircraft, but a designation for any plane carrying the President of the United States. Over the years, the US Air Force has operated various aircraft under this designation, each with its own unique characteristics and capabilities. The current Air Force One fleet consists of two highly modified Boeing 747-8s, designated VC-25A, which offers state-of-the-art features and luxurious amenities. Whether you’re interested in the history of Air Force One or the latest technology, this article has provided an in-depth look at what plane is Air Force One.
