Though the call sign "Air Force One" technically refers to ANY U.S. Air Force aircraft carrying the President of the United States, it generally applies to two specially designed 747-200B jets maintained exclusively for the transportation of the leader of the free world. Here are five interesting facts about the plane that keeps our President mobile!
Air Force One has unlimited range and can stay aloft indefinitely. This is because it is designed so it can be refueled in flight. This provides the President with a secure, mobile command center in the event of an attack against the United States.
Yes, there is. Air Force One is equipped with an advanced medical facility that can accommodate any medical needs from a bandaid for a scratch to full-on surgery. A doctor travels on the plane at all times.
Air Force One has more than 4,000 square feet of floor space, including a vast Presidential Suite with a large office, conference room, bedroom and a giant, oversized bathroom.
The reason the call sign "Air Force One" is used is because of an incident during President Eisenhower's administration when his plane and an incoming commercial flight accidentally had the same call sign, causing a momentarily dangerous mixup by air traffic controllers.
For obvious reasons, no one knows for sure if Air Force One is equipped with weaponry or defensive systems, but it is interesting to note that fighter jets do NOT typically escort the plane.
Air Force One is a fascinating aircraft that keeps our President safe while he travels the world. The U.S. Air Force crewmembers who serve onboard are true American heroes and have what just might be the most important job in the entire military!
select one here...