91-04 Air Force One The presidential air transport fleet consists of two specially configured Boeing 747-200B's with the Air Force designation VC-25A. These aircraft -- tail numbers 28000 and 29000 -- replaced the two smaller Boeing 707-353B's. When the president is aboard either aircraft, or any Air Force aircraft, the radio call sign is "Air Force One." Characteristics The VC-25 aircraft cruises at speeds up to 630 miles per hour at a maximum altitude of 45,100 feet. The maximum passenger load is 73 and the aircraft has a range of 9,600 statute miles. Principal differences between the VC-25A and the standard Boeing 747, other than the number of passengers carried, are the electronic and communications equipment aboard Air Force One, its interior configuration and furnishings, self-contained baggage loader, front and aft air-stairs, and the capability for in-flight refueling. Accommodations for the president include an executive suite consisting of a stateroom (with dressing room, lavatory and shower) and the president's office. A conference/dining room is also available for the president, his family and staff. Other separate accommodations are provided for guests, senior staff, Secret Service and security personnel, and the news media. Two galleys provide up to 100 meals at one sitting. Six passenger lavatories -- including handicap facilities -- are provided as well as a rest area and mini-galley for the aircrew. The VC-25A also has a compartment outfitted with medical equipment and supplies for minor medical emergencies. These aircraft are flown by the presidential aircrew and maintained by the Presidential Maintenance Branch, and are part of the Military Airlift Command's 89th Military Airlift Wing, Andrews Air Force Base, Md. History Presidential air transport began in 1944 when a C-54 Skymaster -- the "Sacred Cow" -- was put into service for President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Then came the "Independence," a DC-6 Liftmaster, which transported President Harry S. Truman during the period 1947 to 1953. President Dwight D. Eisenhower traveled aboard the "Columbine II" and "Columbine III" from 1953 to 1961. The call sign "Air Force One" was first used in September 1961, identifying President John F. Kennedy flying aboard his C-118. In 1962, the first jet aircraft -- a C-137 -- specifically purchased for use as Air Force One, was entered into service with the tail number 26000. It is perhaps the most widely known and has the most historical significance of the presidential aircraft. Tail number 26000 is the aircraft that carried President Kennedy to Dallas, Texas, Nov. 22, 1963, and in which his body was returned to Washington, D.C., following his assassination. Lyndon B. Johnson was sworn into office as the 36th president of the U.S. on board 26000 at Love Field in Dallas. This fateful aircraft also was used to return President Johnson's body to Texas following his state funeral Jan. 24, 1973. President Nixon in 1972 made historic visits aboard 26000 to the People's Republic of China in February and to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics in May. Tail number 27000 replaced 26000 and carved its own history when it was used to fly former Presidents Nixon, Ford and Carter to Cairo, Egypt, Oct. 19, 1981, to represent the United States at the funeral of Egyptian President Anwar Sadat. The first VC-25A -- tail number 28000 -- flew as "Air Force One" on Sept. 6, 1990, when it transported President George Bush to Kansas, Florida and back to Washington, D.C. The VC-25A will usher presidential travel out of the 20th century and into the 21st upholding the proud tradition and distinction of being known as Air Force One. Specifications Range: 9600 statute miles. Passenger/Crew Capacity: 95. Maximum Gross Weight: 836,000 lbs. Maximum Altitude: 45,100 ft. Maximum Speed: .92 Mach. Engines: General Electric CF6-80C2B1 (4). Thrust Rating: 56,700 lbs. (each engine). April 1991 Supersedes USAF Fact Sheet 85-26 Local Reproduction Authorized