Air Force One

 

 

The 747-200B twins, jumbo jet that the US president travels on is known as the AirForce One. Ironically, AirForce One is an air traffic call sign name, which is given to the Boeing to avoid confusions in communication. The two planes have different air traffic numbers when the president is not aboard. Any military or commercial aircraft on which the president of the United States steps foot on, is automatically given the callsign AirForce One. Airforce One in the olden days wasn’t a 747 jumbo, but, huge gray warships that showed america’s power wherever it ferried the president. Today the 747 specialises with tons of facilities, living quarters, gyms, conference rooms, high tech communications rooms, and even a private office for the president. Back in the 1940s President Roosevelt’s flight featured only radios and phones with living quarters. Today, AirForce One is also called the “Flying White House”. The 747 is able to carry 70 white house members and 26 crew members. Andrews AFB (Air Force Base) near Washington is the private hangar for the 747’s. The two 747’s aren’t like any ordinary ones! At Andrews, the planes can be customised as per the president’s will. They have been customised from the ground up, from engines all the way to the paint and finishing touches. Latest weapons and top secret defence systems are put into the plane to ensure the highest class of protection. It also features- mid air refilling, electronic counter measures such as flares, chauffeurs, missile jamming tech, etc. The president also has an escape pod for emergency reasons! AirForce One is the face of the US wherever it travels. The most celebrated airplane in the history of jumbo jets and one of the most customised as well!