The interiors of today’s Air Force One planes, SAM 2800, were designed by first lady Nancy Reagan, who used the American Southwest for inspiration. The interiors have undergone a lot of changes as well. President Donald Trump is not known for his subtlety, even when it comes to Air Force One. With the arrival of a plane that would be synonymous with the office, the sitting first family believed a few design changes were necessary for a democratically elected leader, meaning the Kennedys thought the red on the aircraft looked too "imperial." Until the delivery of SAM 26000 (pronounced "2-6-thousand," if you want to be down with the lingo), the president's plane was designed for any VIP, not just the president. The planes even have their own side exit doors, so they don't have to rely on airport stair vehicles. They are also protected against electromagnetic pulses. Their defenses include electronic countermeasures, radar jamming and flares to confuse enemy missiles. Each has a flying Oval Office and its own situation room. They each boast two galleys, with stocked fridges a medical department a supply of blood and a well-stocked pharmacy.įor the president, each plane is equipped with a private suite that has a small gym, bathroom, shower and sleeping quarters. Ready for business (with 85 phone lines) or wartime (they really can withstand a nuclear blast on the ground), today's Air Force One planes have 4,000 square feet of space for up to 76 passengers and a crew of 26. The VC-25A planes used as Air Force One are the most well-equipped and well-defended aircraft flying. President Donald Trump’s other plane might be bigger, but let's see it survive a nuclear blast like Air Force One. Bush in 2001.Īll of the president’s planes are designed to be a "Flying White House." In 1972, SAM 27000 entered service until it was retired by President George W. That plane was SAM 26000 and served the Kennedy, Johnson and Nixon administrations. In 1962, a C-137C specially purposed for regular use by the president - and only the president - entered service. Ike had the interiors of these aircraft modified for comfort and advanced communications equipment, features included in later designs. Air Force One, as we know it today, began to take shape. In 1959, Eisenhower commissioned three Boeing 707s to become the first jet aircraft designed for the president. But the aircraft has come a long way since FDR's "Sacred Cow." We can't list all of the special features of the president's plane here because a lot of them are classified. Eisenhower - and they had almost killed him - they quickly decided a special name for any plane carrying the president was necessary. When air traffic controllers learned AF 8610 was carrying then-President Dwight D. Army)Įastern Airlines' Flight 8610 nearly collided with Air Force Flight 8610 over New York City. And "Hell's Belle" was already taken, so they settled for Air Force One.
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