G20 summit: US President Joe Biden will arrive in India in 'Air Force One', can fly at 92% of the speed of sound

Written By DNA Web Team | Updated: Sep 08, 2023, 10:09 AM IST

Explore Air Force One's impressive features as President Biden to arrive in India for the G20 Summit.

On September 8, President Joe Biden will arrive in India aboard the iconic Air Force One, setting the stage for the G20 summit. This highly customized Boeing aircraft, often synonymous with the U.S. presidency, has quite a few intriguing features worth exploring.

Originally, the term "Air Force One" referred to any Air Force aircraft transporting the President. However, it now specifically denotes one of two specially modified Boeing 747-200B series planes, distinguishable by their tail codes 28000 and 29000.

Known worldwide as the most famous aircraft, the official Air Force designation for this marvel of engineering is the Boeing 747-200B VC-25A. This behemoth stands tall at a towering height of 63 feet, akin to a six-story building. Its impressive dimensions extend to a length of 232 feet and a wingspan spanning 195 feet.

Now, let's take a peek inside this flying marvel. With an operational cost exceeding a staggering $200,000 per hour, Air Force One boasts a sprawling interior across three levels, encompassing a generous 4,000 square feet of space. This cavernous space can comfortably accommodate up to 70 passengers.

The President's quarters within the aircraft are nothing short of remarkable. They include a spacious office, lavatory facilities, and a conference room. Furthermore, there are sleeping quarters provided for senior advisors, secret service officers, traveling press, and other guests.

Perhaps one of the most extraordinary features of Air Force One is its onboard medical suite, which can be transformed into an operating room. A dedicated doctor is permanently stationed aboard to provide any necessary medical care. Additionally, the aircraft boasts not one but two food preparation galleys, capable of serving up to 100 people simultaneously.

What makes Air Force One truly exceptional is its super role as a flying fortress. It goes on a top speed of 600 mph (965 km/h), which is around 92 percent of the speed of sound. This impressive speed allows it to swiftly traverse the skies. Additionally, Air Force One has the unique ability to refuel mid-air, granting it the capacity to remain aloft indefinitely, if necessary.

The aircraft's security features are equally remarkable. It is fortified with robust armor plating, providing protection against nuclear blasts while on the ground. Furthermore, it can withstand the electromagnetic pulse generated by a nuclear bomb. To enhance its defenses, Air Force One is completely equipped with concealed electronic jammers and flares designed to divert heat-seeking missiles. Moreover, its electronic countermeasure systems possess the capability to disrupt enemy radars, ensuring added security. The aircraft also has multi-frequency radios for easy air-to-air and air-to-ground communication.

During Air Force One's arrival, a cargo plane known as the C-141 Starlifter will play big role by transporting the President's bulletproof motorcade. This meticulous planning guarantees that the Commander-in-Chief is transported with the utmost security and sophistication.

Read more: G20 Summit: Traffic curbs in place, police urge people to use metro, details here