Five things you didn’t know about Air Force One

Air Force One has a long history, going back to 1945 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt became the first president to use a dedicated presidential aircraft, originally nicknamed the “Sacred Cow.”

The name “Air Force One” came later in 1953 during President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s time in office, after a presidential flight was nearly confused with a commercial aircraft that had a similar call sign.

The United States Air Force has operated two “Air Force One” VC-25A aircraft, based on the Boeing 747-200B, which have been extensively modified for presidential travel. A new Air Force One VC-25B bridge presidential aircraft, carrying new tail number 25-3300, entered service in July this year.

Painted in a new red, white, blue and gold colour scheme, the VC-25B bridge aircraft is the first time in 60 years that a Boeing designated as Air Force One has not featured the light blue livery chosen by First Lady Jaqueline Kennedy.

Here are five details that make Air Force One unlike almost any other aircraft in the world.

Air Force One has six lavatories

Needs must! Air Force One has six passenger lavatories, while the president’s private suite has its own bathroom and shower.

The aircraft is designed to carry more than 70 passengers, including White House staff, security personnel, crew and members of the travelling press. It also contains offices, conference areas and private spaces, making the interior very different from that of a standard commercial 747.

It can refuel in the air

The VC-25A has a fuel capacity of about 53,600 U.S. gallons (roughly 203,000 litres). But Air Force One can receive fuel from a tanker aircraft while airborne, allowing it to remain in the sky for much longer than would otherwise be possible.

That doesn’t mean it can fly forever. The crew will still get tired, and the aircraft will eventually run out of supplies or face other limits. But being able to refuel in the air means it can stay airborne when landing isn’t safe or practical.

Two galleys can prepare 100 meals

Keeping everyone fed is another part of the aircraft’s self-contained design.

Air Force One has two galleys capable of preparing up to 100 meals at a time. It’s enough to cater for everyone on board, from the president and senior officials to security personnel, crew and journalists.

There is also a medical facility on the aircraft, equipped to deal with any medical emergencies during a flight.

It’s packed with communications equipment

Air Force One is fitted with extensive communications equipment so the president and staff can remain in contact with officials while airborne. It also has its own air stairs and baggage-loading equipment, giving it greater independence from airport facilities.

Inside, the president has an office, private accommodation and a conference and dining area. Other sections provide dedicated working and accommodation spaces for the people accompanying him.

Air Force One is actually a call sign

Not many people know this.

The two VC-25A aircraft in the current presidential fleet carry the tail numbers 28000 and 29000. They are based at Joint Base Andrews near Washington, DC.

“Air Force One” is actually the radio call sign used whenever the US president is aboard a US Air Force aircraft. So the term refers to the aircraft’s status rather than being its official aircraft designation.

From aerial refuelling to its communications systems, Air Force One has been designed around a very specific job. Far more than just a way to get the President from A to B, it’s a flying workplace, communications platform and self-contained support operation.