In 1943, Franklin Roosevelt became the first acting president to fly in an aircraft. Later on, in the year 1953, the official air traffic control sign of a United States Air Force aircraft carrying the President of the United States (US) was adopted. It was back then that ‘Air Force One’ came into existence. Today, Air Force One is an important symbol of the US and the office of the presidency. The presidential plane is often referred to as the ‘Flying White House’ mainly due to its size and the array of unique features it packs. So what makes the Air Force One so awesome? And why isn’t your daily flight nowhere near close to Barack Obama’s ride? Let’s find out as we give you ten uber cool facts about Air Force One which set the airborne White House apart from all other aircraft carriers. Put on your seatbelts!
They’re Twins, Soon To Be Triplets!
Air Force One is not just one aircraft, in case you were wondering. In fact, the official carrier for the US President has a complete look-alike which was incorporated in 1990. Moreover, a third member will be added to the fleet in 2017. Ditto Dosage!
Airborne Electronic Beast
Some 19 televisions, 85 telephones, and 238 miles of wiring make the Air Force One an undisputed airborne electronic beast. The length of wiring is twice the amount of that in a typical 747 aircraft. Additionally, if some trigger happy general drops a nuclear bomb (by mistake?), the entire electronic set-up is designed and equipped to withstand electromagnetic pulses generated by the nuclear blast. In short, go ahead, have a blast!
Harder, Better, Stronger, Faster
Air Force One can touch speeds up to 650 miles per hour and can fly at 45,000 feet in the sky. Commercial 747s fly at about 30,000 feet in the sky. In a single fuelling, the US President’s flying office can cover a maximum distance of nearly 7,800 miles. Additionally, the Air Force One is also capable of in-flight refueling. Simply speaking, fuel average is not a problem here.
Hospitality Index: Highest
If you ever get an invitation to board the Air Force One, simply go for it! More than the exclusivity, the onboard hospitality and service will make the ride totally worth it. The jumbo jet can cater to 70 passengers and 26 crew members of military background. You and the President will enjoy the vastness of 4,000 square feet on three different levels (entry restricted in some areas). Furthermore, food onboard the plane is cooked in two advanced kitchens and can feed up to 100 people at a time with nearly 2000 meals.
Safe and Sound
A major chunk of information regarding safety and security measures on the Air Force One remains classified. But it is a well-known fact that the all-weather military aircraft can withstand all forms of air attacks. Moreover, the jumbo jet also packs electronic counter measures to jam enemy radars, and can dispense flares to throw heat-seeking missiles off-course. The crew and staff onboard the Air Force One are combat-trained military personnel. In addition to all this, every Air Force One flight is a classified military operation with a number of protocols which are followed rigorously. Simply speaking, the package is 100% secure!
Medically Fit
Air Force One is home to a state-of-the-art medical suite which can function as an operating room if needed. It stocks emergency medical supplies, a pharmacy, and an on-site doctor with a nurse.
Communication Master
The phone system aboard the Air Force One is unique in every way. Air Force One houses 85 telephones, a collection of two-way radios, fax machines, and computer connectivity. It is optimized for normal air to ground connections including windows for secure lines. The US President and his staff can call up nearly anyone on planet Earth while flying tens of thousands of feet in the air. Heavy shielding protects all the communication equipment even from nuclear blast generated electromagnetic pulse. Feel like talking?
Self-Sufficient In Every Way
Air Force One has its own retractable stairways for both rear and front entrance. The aircraft also has its own baggage loader. These features make the Air Force One completely self-sufficient thereby eliminating the need to rely on any airport’s facilities which can be a security threat.
It Has A Movie To Its Name
Air Force One’s popularity can be judged by the fact that the presidential aircraft has an Oscar nominated movie to its name. The Harrison Ford starrer ‘Air Force One’ was released in 1997. Ford plays the role of US President James Marshall who takes on hijackers trying to seize the plan carrying him and his family. Talk about the drama surrounding the aircraft!
Thus the Air Force One is an aircraft which leapfrogs every other flying experience in the world. The humongous aircraft partners with all its safety, utility, and comfort features to offer a truly presidential experience to its chief passenger. So the next time you hear about a US President boarding the Air Force One, do remember these pointers which add to the awesomeness of the world’s most amazing take off!
