The VC-25A, best known as Air Force One, is in fact a big presidential taxi. Sometimes as referred to as “the flying White House”, The United States Of America uses two Boeing 747-200's, specially modified for this task. Throughout the years many different aircraft were used as AF 1, aircraft like the DC-6 and Boeing 707. We look into the latest airframe, the Boeing 747 (military designated as VC-25A.)
History
The idea of a designated aircraft for the president started during WW2, when military advisors were concerned about the risk transporting the president. The first aircraft used was a C-54, called “Scared Cow” used by Presidents Roosevelt. Truman, replaced it later with VC-118 called “independence”.
In 1954 the callsign “Air Force One” was used for the first time after a Lockheed Constellation carrying President Eisenhower conflicted with a commercial airliner in the same air space. Eisenhower used two Constellations called “Columbine II” (48-610) and “Columbine III” (53-7885). The later being a VC-121 E model.
VC-25
The current presidential fleet consists of two specifically-configured Boeing 747-200B series aircraft with Air Force designation VC-25A. The aircraft were introduced in 1990 when they replaced the Boeing 707's as presidential carrier. The Regan administration choose the 747 from a bit where also Lockheed offered the DC-10.
92-9000 VC-25A
Looking at the floorplan, the front of the aircraft is called “White House”. From the entry door to the left is the Presidents executive suite with couches in the nose that can fold out into beds. There is also a lavatory with shower and the Presidential office. This flying “oval” office is probably the best known view from the interior as the President meets guests here, takes conference calls or even address the nation.
Going further aft the offices are located on the starboard side with a hallway (on port side) leading all the way to the back of the aircraft. First there is the conference or situation room with a table with eight chairs including plasma screens on the wall and telecommunication possibilities.
Next to that there are smaller meeting rooms and a medical room including fold-out operating table and pharmacy. There are seating arrangements for guests near the center of the aircraft. There are also two galleys able to feed up to 100 guests. At the end of the aircraft are “normal” airline seats for staff, security personal and media.
Flying "oval" office.
On the upper deck aft of the cockpit there is the communication room, controlling all secure and non-secure data and voice communications. Below the main deck is the cargo hold and a build in air-stair so people can enter the plain when no stairs are available. Next to the stairs there is also a self-contained baggage loader. This was a requirement so the aircraft is fully self-supporting and could land on any airfield with or without available service.
Nowadays the interior looks very dated, not strange as most of it was designed by Nacy Reagan, with lots of “American Southwest” touches, meaning brown tints.
Most obvious difference on the exterior of the aircraft is the in-flight refueling receptacle placed on the nose. This offers the aircraft to stay in the air indefinite next to the normal range of 7,800 miles (12,600 km). The aircraft also has countermeasures to defend it in case of a missile attack. Both flares and chaff are fitted to spoof infrared or radar-seeking missiles. Also the AN/ALQ-204 Matador is fitted, an electronic countermeasure to jam enemy radar.
92-9000, VC-25
Operational service
Both VC-25A's are assigned to the Air Mobility Command (AMC) 89th airlift wing, out of the Joint Base Andrews in Camp Springs, Maryland. In reality, the aircraft are flown by dedicated presidential air crews and a separate maintenance branch.
| Registration |
Type |
Serial |
| 82-8000 | VC-25A | 23824/679 |
| 92-9000 | VC-25A | 23825/685 |
Most of the time, the VC-25 doesn’t fly alone. Typically, both fly with the one holding the President using the callsign Air Force One. When abroad, next to the VC-25, one E-4 will be in the area and multiple support planes are used, like the C-32 and C-40. Multiple C-17s are usually also used to bring equipment and support personal.
Two VH-3 helicopters are also shipped when inland transportation is needed, as well a the Presidential motor cage, including “the Beast”.
Specifications
|
VC-25A |
| Measurements: | Length: 70.66m (231 ft 10 in), Wingspan: 59.64m (195 ft 8 in), Height: 19.33m (63 ft 5 in). |
| Powerplant: | 4 General Electric CF6-80C2B1 turbofans, each rated at 252.21 kN (56.700 lb). |
| Fuel and load: | 164142 Kg (361.875 lb) fuel, 377840 Kg (833.000 lb) max. takeoff weight. |
| Speed: | 972 km/h (525 kts). |
| Range: | 12594 km (6.800 nm). |
| Crew and equipment: | 26 crew members. Advanced electronics and communication systems. Also equipment with unknown countermeasure systems. |
Replacement
As the VC-25A became less efficient to operate, the Air Force started looking for a replacement aircraft. They considered the Boeing 747-8, 787 and Airbus A380. January 2015 the 787-8 was announced as replacement, getting the designation VC-25B.
Two “second hand” 747-8 airframes were bought. Two Transaero ordered aircraft were never delivered when the airline went bankrupt and the aircraft were stored.
VC-25B Artist impression
| Registration |
Type |
Serial |
| (N895BA) | VC-25B | 42417/1523 |
| (N894BA) | VC-25B | 42416/1519 |
The interior will be similar in layout although a bit bigger (bigger Presidential suite with actual bed, conference room and medical room), due to the additional length of the aircraft.
Retrofitting the aircrafts is plagued with delays and budget increases, and the delivery date was pushed back to 2029.
P4-HBJ
In May 2025, the U.S. Government accepted a Boeing 747-8 (P4-HBJ) as a gift from the royal family of Qatar to use as an interim Air Force One at least through the end of the second Trump Administration.