Vc 25 Aircraft - Nat Geo is releasing a new documentary today that provides an unprecedented look behind the scenes of USAF VC-25A operations and an insider's look at the development of the impressive new VC-25B aircraft, the new "Air Force One".
The documentary also shows glimpses of the elite "Ravens" security force that secures the VC-25 transport. Some menu selections include a generic aircraft model, as well as more specific variants of that airliner. These variants are denoted by a - before the aircraft name.
Vc 25 Aircraft
It is hidden behind what may be the tightest security screen on earth. It is the most visible mobile projection of the United States. The U.S. Air Force Boeing VC-25A heavy transport most commonly known as "Air Force One" (for its call sign when the President is on board) is perhaps the most recognizable military aircraft in the world.
Never Before Seen Video Showcases Development Of New “Air Force One” Boeing - As Vc-B
This contradiction between projecting visibility while maintaining security is one of the most difficult tactical problems to moderate for any security force in the world. The 30-year old Boeing VC-25A aircraft are currently being replaced by a new version of the Boeing 747-8 aircraft designated the “VC-25B”.
The main passenger area is on the second floor or main deck.[4] There are three entrances on board, two on the lower and one on the main deck. Typically the president boards and deplanes from the front, main deck entrance via an airstair, while journalists and other passengers enter at the lower rear door.
Facilities for the press and other passengers are configured like an ordinary airliner's first-class cabin.[5] As is typical with Nat Geo's documentary crew, the video and editing is flawless. But what makes this documentary so relevant is that it can be enjoyed by both devoted aircraft enthusiasts with an interest in technical details and also casual documentary fans.
There are separate quarters for guests, senior staff, Secret Service and security personnel, and the news media located in the aft area of the main deck. Protocol states that one may wander aft of wherever one's assigned seat is, but not forward.[4]
Operational History
Communications equipment and the cockpit are on the upper deck. There are also secure and non-secure voice, fax and data communications facilities.[4] While the aircraft's luggage capacity is adequate to carry the belongings of the passengers, the logistics train of the President means that the aircraft must fly preceded by an aerial convoy of several cargo transports, which carry the helicopters, motorcade vehicles, and other equipment required by
the presidential entourage.[4] The VC-25 replaced the VC-137C (a military version of the Boeing 707) as the mainstay of the Air Force One fleet. On some occasions, the VC-25s are used to transport the Vice President of the United States, for which service they adopt the callsign Air Force Two.
These aircraft are maintained and operated as military operations by the Presidential Airlift Group, part of the Air Mobility Command's 89th Airlift Wing, based at Andrews Air Force Base in Camp Springs, Maryland. After a Presidential inauguration in which there is a change in office, the outgoing President is provided with a flight aboard one of the VC-25 aircraft to their home destination.
The aircraft is not known as Air Force One for this flight 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, with 28000 representing the aircraft's tail number.[7][8]
Design And Configuration
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That timeline has not been accepted by the Air Force and could change as the service negotiates with Boeing on a new schedule baseline. But Boeing's new projection, which has been conveyed to stakeholders outside the company, represents a growth from the 12-month delay presented by the company last year.
While the VC-25 has three decks, like a regular Boeing 747, its 4,000 square feet (370 m²) of floor space has been reconfigured for presidential duties. Its lowest deck is mostly cargo space, carrying luggage and the onboard food supply.
AFA AIR WARFARE SYMPOSIUM: While the Air Force and Boeing have yet to finalize a new schedule for the presidential aircraft replacement program, it now appears that the first new Air Force One plane will be delivered to the service even later than previously expected.
The VC-25 "Air Force One" is a prominent symbol of the American presidency and its power; with the White House and presidential seal, it is one of the most familiar presidential symbols. Air Force One has often appeared in popular culture and fiction, most notably as the setting of the 1997 action movie Air Force One where the aircraft had an escape pod and a parachute ramp, unlike the actual Presidential aircraft.[17]
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The VC-25 is most famous for its role as Air Force One, the call sign of any U.S. Air Force aircraft carrying the President of the United States. The two aircraft currently in U.S. service are highly modified versions of Boeing's 747-200B, with tail numbers 28000 and 29000. Although the Air Force One designation technically applies to the aircraft only while the President is aboard, the term is commonly applied to the VC-25s more generally.
They often operate in conjunction with Marine One helicopters that ferry the President to airports in circumstances where a vehicle motorcade would be inappropriate. Something you don't see too often: a giant U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III cargo aircraft flying through the famous Star Wars Canyon.
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These aircraft are expected to be replaced as they have become less cost-effective to operate. The USAF Air Mobility Command is looking into possible replacements and press coverage suggested that the USAF would consider the Boeing 747-8 and the Airbus A380 from the European Aeronautic Defense and Space Company (EADS).[11]
On January 7, 2009, the USAF Materiel Command issued a new Sources Sought notice for a replacement aircraft to enter service by 2017 with an additional two aircraft to follow in 2019 and 2021.[12] As of January 2014[update], Boeing is the only aircraft manufacturer interested in supplying the replacement aircraft,[13] and is reported to be exploring a 787 option as well.[14]
On January 28, 2009, EADS North America confirmed the company will not respond to the US Air Force notice, as assembling only three planes in the US would not make financial sense.[15] This pulldown menu, in addition to each year available as a search limiter, also shows the number of photos currently in the database for each specific year, enclosed in brackets.
For example, an option of:- 2003 [55000].. indicates that there are 55,000 total photos taken in the year 2003 currently in the database.*Note: The total number of photos, enclosed in brackets, is updated four (4) times hourly, and may be slightly inaccurate.
The VC-25 is capable of flying 7,800 miles (12,600 km)—roughly one-third the distance around the world—without refueling. It can be refueled during flight from a tanker aircraft. The VC-25A can accommodate more than 70 passengers. Each VC-25A costs approximately US$325 million.
When a VC-25 taxis to an airport's ramp for events, it stops with the port side of the aircraft facing gathered onlookers.[citation needed] 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 aerial refueling capability and anti-aircraft missile countermeasures. The electronics on board are connected with approximately 238 miles (383 km) of wiring, twice that of a regular 747. All wiring is covered with heavy shielding for protection from an electromagnetic pulse in the event of a nuclear attack.
The aircraft also has electronic countermeasures (ECMs) to jam enemy radar, flares to avoid heat-seeking missiles, and chaff to avoid radar-guided missiles. All small arms and ammunition stores not under the physical possession of the Secret Service on board the VC-25s are stowed and secured by the Secret Service in separate locked compartments, each with a different locking mechanism for added security.
Many of the VC-25's other capabilities are classified for security reasons. By 1985, the pair of Boeing 707-based VC-137s used as the Presidential aircraft had been in service for 23 and 13 years respectively, and the USAF began searching for an eventual replacement.
The Request for Proposal issued stated that the aircraft to be selected should have at least three engines and an unrefueled range of at least 6,000 miles (9,700 km). Both Boeing with its 747 and McDonnell Douglas with the DC-10 were in competition to be selected, with the Boeing entry the eventual winner.[1]
The fabrication of the current 747s began during the presidency of Ronald Reagan (1981–1989). Reagan ordered two identical Boeing 747-200Bs to replace the Boeing 707s that he used for transport.[2] Boeing has pointed to the COVID-19 pandemic and the bankruptcy of its now-defunct subcontractor GDC Technics as the major causes of the delay.
GDC Technics was under contract to build the interiors of the VC-25B, but Boeing canceled the contract and sued GDC, alleging that the company had fallen more than a year behind. Please note that, due to space constraints, this menu includes only airlines of which 10 or more photos exist in our database.
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Any cost increases associated with the delay would be borne by Boeing, due to the fixed-price nature of its $3.9 billion contract with the Air Force. That contract covers the engineering, manufacturing and development work associated with turning baseline Boeing 747s into a presidential aircraft furnished with exquisite (and highly-classified) defensive systems, hardened electronics and secure communications gear.
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.[4]
The President gets his own menu. An area where guests sit is near the center of the aircraft, outside of the "White House".[4] Seeing Nat Geo's new Documentary, "The New Air Force One: Flying Fortress" provides insights into the new aircraft that were previously impossible to experience.
This wonderful behind-the-scenes access also inspires a new level of appreciation for this remarkable new aircraft and an overall appreciation of the U.S. Air Force Presidential Airlift Group. The new documentary premieres on the Nat Geo Channel on Monday, February 15, 2021 and can be found wherever you access the Nat Geo channel.
TheAviationist.com got a preview of the documentary before its release. But rather than tell you about all the fascinating and unique content of the film, it's more relevant to report that this is one of the best aircraft documentaries this reporter has ever seen.
Insights into the acquisition, renovation and introduction of the new VC-25B are completely unprecedented. The VC-25s were completed in 1986 and first flew in 1987.[3] The interior designs were created by First Lady Nancy Reagan, who used designs reminiscent of the American Southwest.[2]
Problems with interior wiring for communication systems delayed delivery of the two aircraft until 1990,[3] during the administration of George H.W. Bush. If you are looking for photos of a specific aircraft type, use this menu. Please note that, due to space constraints, this menu includes only some of the more requested aircraft in our database.
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