|
|
Air Force One
Air Force One is the
air traffic control call sign of any U.S.
Air Force aircraft carrying the President
of the United States (it is a common misconception
that "Air Force One" refers to a
single airplane). Since 1990, the presidential
fleet has consisted of two specifically configured,
highly customized Boeing 747-200B series aircraft—tail
numbers 28000 and 29000—with Air Force
designation VC-25A. While these planes are
only referred to as "Air Force One"
while the president is on board, the term
is commonly used to describe either of two
aircraft normally used and maintained by the
U.S. Air Force solely for the president.
The VC-25A is capable
of flying 12 600 km (7,800 miles)—roughly
one-third the distance around the world—without
refueling and can accommodate more than 70
passengers. Before these planes entered service,
two Boeing 707-320B-type aircraft—tail
numbers 26000 and 27000—had operated
as Air Force One starting in 1962. The Air
Force designation for these aircraft was VC-137.
Since its inception, Air Force One has become
a symbol of presidential power and prestige.
|
|
|