Air Force One on the tarmac

Air Force One

Overview

From Presidents Roosevelt to Biden, Boeing airplanes have transported U.S. presidents around the world. The U.S. Air Force announced that it will continue the Boeing tradition with the 747-8, which will replace the two 747-200s that serve as the presidential Air Force One fleet.

When the 747-8 takes flight as the next Air Force One, Boeing airplanes will mark more than half a century of presidential service through the Jet Age.

VC-25B entry

Capabilities and Features - Current Presidential Airplane (Boeing 747-200)

Today, the chief executive flies aboard a specially configured 747-200B, the newest and largest presidential airplane. Its capabilities include:

  • Longer range for presidential travel
  • Aerial refueling
  • Self-sufficiency at airports around the world

The "flying Oval Office" has 4,000 square feet of interior floor space. Among its accommodations are:

  • Conference/dining room
  • Quarters for the president and the first lady
  • An office area for senior staff members
  • Another office that converts into a medical facility when necessary
  • Work and rest areas for the presidential staff, media representatives and Air Force crews
  • Two galleys that can provide 100 meals at one sitting
  • Multi-frequency radios for air-to-air, air-to-ground and satellite communications
  • Principal differences between Air Force One and the standard Boeing 747 include state-of-the-art navigation, electronic and communications equipment; its interior configuration and furnishings; self-contained baggage loader; and front and aft air-stairs.
Air Force One capabilities

747-200/ 747-8 Comparison

Air Force One infographic

Technical Specifications - Current Presidential Airplane (Boeing 747-200)

Crew 26 (passenger/crew capacity: 102)
Model 747-200B
Engines General Electric CF6-80C2B1
Thrust rating 56,700 pounds, each engine (252 kn)
Long-range mission takeoff gross weight 833,000 pounds (377,842 kg)
Maximum zero fuel weight 526,500 pounds (238,800 kg)
Design mission zero fuel weight 46,000 pounds (20,865 kg)
Maximum landing weight 630,000 pounds (285,763 kg)
Fuel capacity 53,611 gallons (203,129 L)
Range 7,800 statute miles
Wing span 195 feet, 8 inches (59.64 m)
Length 231 feet, 10 inches (70.66 m)
Height 63 feet, 5 inches (19.33 m)
Service ceiling 45,100 feet (13.747 m)

Presidential Aircraft History

Air Force One

1943, Boeing 314 Clipper
President Franklin D Roosevelt

Air Force One

1942-1945, Douglas C-54C (DC-4) Skymaster
Presidents Franklin D Roosevelt and Harry S Truman

Air Force One

1947-1953, Douglas  VC-118 (DC-6) Liftmaster
President Harry S Truman

Air Force One

1959 – 1962 Boeing 707, VC-137A
Presidents Dwight D Eisenhower, John F Kennedy, Lyndon B Johnson, Richard M Nixon

Air Force One

1962 - 1990, Boeing 707, VC-137C
Presidents John F Kennedy, Lyndon B Johnson, Richard M Nixon, Gerald R Ford, James E Carter, Ronald W Reagan, George H W Bush

Air Force One

1990 - current, Boeing 747, VC-25A
Presidents George H W Bush, William J Clinton, George W Bush, Barack H Obama, Donald J Trump, Joseph R Biden.

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