Vc-25B Aircraft - 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.
"We're going to obviously have to look at the schedule [and] we have to look at it pragmatically," Lieutenant General Duke Richardson, currently the Military Deputy within the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology,
Vc-25B Aircraft
and Logistics at the Pentagon, admitted earlier this month. One of our readers has pointed out an interesting detail he has found on Google Maps: the presence of a huge contingent of U.S. V-22 tilt-rotor aircraft in Kuwait.
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At least twice in the last months, […] "Following ferry flights in spring 2019 to the Boeing modification facility, Boeing prepared the two aircraft for modification starting by removing the commercial interiors, engines, auxiliary power units, and numerous secondary system components," the notice states.
Additional infrastructure required to sustain operations by the new Presidential aircraft includes aircraft access taxiways, parking aprons, engine run-up pads, lighting, a refueling system, vehicle parking lot, access roads, perimeter security fencing, and landscaping. As for the aforementioned security fencing, this will be "more decorative in nature than the lower-cost, chain-link fencing normally used for airfield security."
All this is expected to be completed by April next year. Of course, with a project as big and expensive as the new Air Force One, it's not surprising that the aircraft requires specialized infrastructure. We have covered the specific details of the upcoming VC-25Bs before, but it's worth bearing in mind they are about as far removed from their commercial 747 cousins as it's possible to get.
Among others, they will feature the most advanced defense countermeasures system available, and are protected against electromagnetic pulse caused by detonating nuclear warheads. The aircraft will also be fitted with the most advanced secure airborne communications system of its kind and a bespoke interior with all that's required for the Commander-In-Chief to go about their work remotely.
Never Before Seen Video Showcases Development Of New “Air Force One” Boeing - As Vc-B
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Principal differences between the VC-25 and the standard Boeing 747, other than the number of passengers carried, are the state of the art navigation, electronic and communications equipment, its interior configuration and furnishings, self-contained baggage loader, front and aft air
-stairs, and the capability for in-flight refueling. Presidential air transport began in 1944 when a C-54 -- the "Sacred Cow" -- was put into service for President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Then came the "Independence," a DC-6 (Liftmaster), which transported President Harry S. Truman during the period 1947 to 1953. President Dwight D. Eisenhower traveled aboard the "Columbine II" and "Columbine III" from 1953 to 1961
While the call sign "Air Force One" was first used in the 50s, President Kennedy's VC-137 (Boeing 707) was the first aircraft to be popularly known as "Air Force One." 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. The reason for this latest holdup is a dispute between manufacturer Boeing and subcontractor GDC Technics, which was selected to install the aircraft's interiors but ran into delays of around 12 months.
The Air Force now expects another firm to pick up responsibility for the interiors, according to Richardson. The presidential air transport fleet consists of two specially configured Boeing 747-200B's -- tail numbers 28000 and 29000 -- with the Air Force designation VC-25.
When the president is aboard either aircraft, or any Air Force aircraft, the radio call sign is "Air Force One." 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.
The following footage was shot by The Aviationist's contributor Eric Bowen. Along […] Prior to this setback, the program also faced other delays as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and its effect on the wider supply chain and workforce.
As a result, Boeing last month announced a $318 million loss on the VC-25B project. Under the terms of the contract, the manufacturer will cover any cost overruns the program incurs. Of course, questions about costs have been a persistent feature of the program, from the supposed savings of using second-hand aircraft, down to and including the manuals for the aircraft, which alone have a price tag of $84 million.
Official documents have described the new hangar as being designed to "evoke a sense of flight and stateliness through its use of materials, massing and embellishments." This reflects the fact that this is an environment that's a far cry from the cluttered halls familiar to most aircraft maintainers.
As it stands today, the Air Force One recapitalization program is running late, however. According to a recent report from Defense One, delivery of the first VC-25B has been delayed and won't be handed over by the end of 2024 as planned.
A new timeline has not been confirmed. All this, plus the infrastructure, including the new hangar, will cost around $5.3 billion. Even taking the VC-25Bs alone, at $4.7 billion they will be the most expensive aircraft ever built.
And that's taking into account the much-publicized claims by former President Donald Trump that he personally slashed the cost of the jets. The enormous hangar that will be used to maintain the U.S. Air Force's two new, sometimes controversial, and staggeringly expensive VC-25B jets that will serve in the Air Force One role is quickly taking shape at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland.
The construction project, which is costing around $250 million, is required since the new jets are marginally bigger than the earlier VC-25A models that are now in use. Tail number 27000 replaced 26000 and carved its own history when it was used to fly Presidents Nixon, Ford and Carter to Cairo, Egypt, Oct.
19, 1981, to represent the United States at the funeral of Egyptian President Anwar Sadat. Inside Defense, from the award-winning Inside the Pentagon family of newsletters, is the nation's best online news service for defense and aerospace professionals.
We specialize in exclusive, hard-hitting news on Defense Department programs, procurement and policymaking. It's not just the maintenance hangar itself that's changing the face of Andrews Air Force Base, which sits just outside Washington, D.C. While work continues on the VC-25Bs in San Antonio, Texas, which are being converted from orphaned 747-8i, an additional 70,000 square feet at Andrews is required for warehouse support areas, while 60,000 square feet is being given over to new administrative buildings
. The contract for the hangar was awarded to Clark Construction, headquartered in nearby Bethesda, in late 2018. The first VC-25A -- tail number 28000 -- flew as "Air Force One" on Sept. 6, 1990, when it transported President George Bush to Kansas, Florida and back to Washington, D.C.
A second VC-25A, tail number 29000 transported Presidents Clinton, Carter and Bush to Israel for the funeral of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin. The VC-25A will usher presidential travel into the 21st century, upholding the proud tradition and distinction of being known as "Air Force One."
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. The Day a B-36 Accidentally Dropped the Largest U.S.
Hydrogen Bomb on Kirtland AFB. In the wake of yesterday's news that the U.S. has pulled out of the Open Skies Treaty of surveillance flights that [...] 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.
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".
In 1962, a C-137C specifically purchased for use as Air Force One, entered service with the tail number 26000. It is perhaps the most widely known and most historically significant presidential aircraft. Tail number 26000 is the aircraft that carried President Kennedy to Dallas, Nov.
22, 1963, and returned the body to Washington, D.C., following his assassination. Lyndon B. Johnson was sworn into office as the 36th president on board the aircraft at Love Field in Dallas. This fateful aircraft also was used to return President Johnson's body to Texas following his state funeral Jan.
24, 1973. In 1972 President Richard M. Nixon made historic visits aboard 26000 to the People's Republic of China and to the former Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. Tail number 26000 was retired May 1998, and is on display at the U.S.
Air Force Museum, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio. Among the many remarkable insights of the documentary is the incredible degree of maintenance required to keep the existing 30-year old VC-25A aircraft looking absolutely pristine. A crew chief for the current VC-25A aircraft at Joint Base Andrews, where the two aircraft are based, mentions that maintaining the current VC-25A is, "Essentially like a classic car".
Flight crews for the present VC-25A also showcase the analog instruments of the aircraft and the challenges in sourcing maintenance parts for the plane. Accommodations for the president include an executive suite consisting of a stateroom (with dressing room, lavatory and shower) and the president's office.
A conference/dining room is also available for the president, his family and staff. Other separate accommodations are provided for guests, senior staff, Secret Service and security personnel, and the news media. 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.
Two galleys provide up to 100 meals at one sitting. Six passenger lavatories, including disabled access facilities, are provided as well as a rest area and mini-galley for the aircrew. The VC-25 also has a compartment equipped with medical equipment and supplies for minor medical emergencies.
The aircraft is one of a kind. These insights into current VC-25A operations provide a detailed backdrop to the introduction of the new, significantly improved, VC-25B. The documentary delves into excellent detail about the remarkable performance improvements of the new Air Force One VC-25B.
These include the aircraft being the longest passenger aircraft in the world, and the fastest, even while maintaining improved short take-off and landing capability compared to the previous VC-25A. It's not clear, however, what will happen to the previous hangar used for the VC-25As.
This was itself a seriously expensive construction project, the custom-built, bunker-like building featuring unique hardening to protect the aircraft. In the accompanying images, the existing VC-25A hangar is the hexagon-shaped building to the north. Exactly when the VC-25Bs arrive at Andrews is, not now at least, unclear.
Once they touch down, however, it seems that they will have the high-end hangarage befitting such a prestigious — and pricey — program. Recently obtained detailed satellite imagery, dated April 11, 2021, shows the considerable progress made so far on the huge two-bay hangar, which covers an area of 366,000 square feet, has a length of 660 feet, a width of 575 feet, and
a maximum height of 115 feet, according to the Washington Business Journal. When it comes to fitting the VC-25Bs inside, the width of the building is of particular importance, with each of the aircraft having a 225-foot wingspan, larger than the VC-25A, which spans a little under 196 feet.
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