Boeing VC-25
| VC-25 | |
|---|---|
| General information | |
| Type | Presidential transport |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Boeing |
| Status | In service (VC-25A)
In development (VC-25B) |
| Primary user | United States Air Force |
| Number built | 2 (VC-25A) |
The Boeing VC-25 is a military version of the Boeing 747 airliner, with the sole purpose of transporting the U.S. President when he is too lazy to take a ten-minute car ride. It is operated by the United States Air Force (USAF) with the call sign Air Force One, the call sign of any USAF aircraft when the President is aboard, though civilians, the lazy, and the ignorant use the call sign on any VC-25.
Only two examples of this aircraft type are in service (why the hell would you need more than 2?); they are heavily modified Boeing 747-200Bs, designated VC-25A and having tail numbers 28000 and 29000. The two aircraft often operate with Marine One helicopters, which ferry the president to airports whenever a vehicle motorcade would be inappropriate.
Development[edit]
By 1985, the pair of outdated Boeing 707-based VC-137s used as the presidential aircraft had been in service for and 13 years respectively, and the USAF began searching for a replacement. The Request for a replacement stated that the aircraft to be selected should have at least three engines and a range of at least 9,700 km. Both Boeing with its 747 and McDonnell Douglas with the DC-10 (why did McDonnell think that the DC-10 could compete with the queen of the skies) were in competition to be selected. Obviously the 747 won becuase who wants a smaller more dangerous jet besides American Airlines? The construction of the current 747s began during the presidency of Ronald Reagan(1981–1989).
The VC-25s were completed in 1986 and first flew in 1987. The interior designs were created by First Lady Nancy Reagan, which are probably going the be changed to a MAGA theme by Trump. Problems with interior wiring for communication systems delayed delivery of the two aircraft until 1990, during the administration of George H. W. Bush.
The Air Force reported that each VC-25A in 2014 burns £210,900 per hour of taxpayer’s money (equivalent to approx. £268,000 in 2023).
Design and configuration[edit]
The VC-25 is capable of flying 12,600 km—roughly one-third the distance around the world without refueling. The VC-25A can accommodate more than 70 passengers that is 517 less passengers then the unmodified 747. So, when the world is ending only 70 people can escape so they can govern over their nonexistent country. 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 370 m2 of floor space has been reconfigured for presidential duties. Its lowest level is mostly cargo space, carrying luggage and the onboard food and drink supply which is most likely McDonald’s Big Macs and Diet Coca-Cola for Trump. It is also rumored that there is an executive set of golf clubs on board in case the president fancies a game against political friends and foes.
The main passenger area is on the second floor or main deck. The upper deck contains the cockpit and the communications center to talk to random people on the ground or play computer games (known officially as war game simulations) when not otherwise engaged in other duties. The aircraft can also be operated as a military command center in the event of an incident such as a nuclear attack where all of America gets blown to smithereens. Operational modifications include aerial refueling capability and countermeasures against anti-aircraft missiles. The electronics on board are connected with approximately 383 km of wiring, twice that of a regular 747. All wiring is covered with heavy shielding for protection from a nuclear blast. in the event of a nuclear attack. The aircraft all so has, firecrackers to spoof heat-seeking missiles, and pieces of metal to spoof radar-guided missiles and hit people on the ground.
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