Specifications - Air Force One
Summary
The VC-25B represents the future of presidential air travel—a state-of-the-art airborne command center built for 21st-century threats and global mobility. Based on the Boeing 747-8i, it offers increased range, higher fuel efficiency, greater floor space, and updated interior architecture compared to its predecessor.
Its core mission remains unchanged: provide the President of the United States with safe, secure, and uninterrupted communication and operational capabilities during flight. The VC-25B will feature hardened communications, enhanced survivability against missile and cyber threats, and a luxurious yet functional interior tailored to executive leadership and national defense needs.
Capable of global travel with midair refueling and logistical support from accompanying military aircraft, the VC-25B will ensure the President can project leadership from the skies—whether during a diplomatic mission, national emergency, or global crisis.
General
Max Occupancy | Approx. 70–100 people (crew, staff, security, press, medical, and President’s party) | |
Food Source | Enhanced onboard galley and refrigeration systems; improved food storage and prep areas for longer missions | |
Air Filtration | Next-gen HEPA and NBC filtration with modernized climate control and air purification systems | |
Network | Upgraded secure DoD communication suites, satellite uplinks, global broadband, cyber-hardened comm systems | |
Autonomy | Extended airborne endurance; aerial refueling capability; significantly increased range over VC-25A | |
Capacity | National Airborne Operations Center–capable with increased bandwidth, mobility, and survivability | |
Size | Based on Boeing 747-8i platform | |
Power Source | Four General Electric GEnx-2B67 engines (each producing ~66,500 lbf of thrust) | |
Water Source | Enhanced potable water system with greater purification and storage |
Size Overview
Total Depth | 250 ft 2 in (76.3 m) | |
Total Number of Decks | 3 (flight deck, main deck, service/lower deck) | |
Total Horizontal Footprint | 63 ft 6 in (19.4 m) | |
Total Floor Space | Estimated 5,000+ sq ft of usable cabin space | |
Structural Layers | Reinforced and hardened fuselage; integrated EMP shielding and upgraded classified materials | |
Volume | Estimated ~50,000+ cubic feet of usable space | |
Key Facility Sizes | Presidential Suite: Larger and more private living quarters with advanced communications and brief space Conference Room/Situation Room: Expanded table seating for 12–16, high-speed secure data links, wall displays Medical Bay: Full-size upgraded medical suite with operating table, oxygen supply, trauma gear, and emergency comms Press Cabin: Seating and workspace for ~20 accredited members of the traveling press Staff & Security Cabins: Divided sections with more ergonomic seating and secure storage for equipment |
Backup Vehicles & Transportation Facilities
Location | Maintained at Joint Base Andrews; deployable worldwide | |
Motorcade Fleet | Ground vehicles, including “The Beast” limo, SUVs, and escort assets transported via C-17 | |
Aircraft | Primary: 2x VC-25B aircraft (expected tail numbers 30000 & 30001) Support: C-32A, C-17 Globemaster III, C-5M Super Galaxy for support and transport |
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Surface & Subterranean Access | N/A (airborne) | |
Vehicle Support Facilities | VC-25B-dedicated hangars with hardened maintenance bays and secure fueling |
Personnel
Executive Branch (President, VP, Cabinet) | Yes – primary transport for POTUS | |
Federal Agency Directors (FBI, CIA, NSA, DHS, etc.) | Occasionally on board for global missions | |
Military Personnel | 25–35 USAF personnel, including pilots, flight engineers, loadmasters, security, IT, and logistics | |
Medical Staff | At least 1–2 medical officers or flight medics | |
Technical & Operations Staff | Onboard comms, flight ops, IT/security teams | |
Support Staff (maintenance, sanitation, food, admin) | Airborne culinary team, stewards, cabin crew (~5–10) | |
General Population (residents and other civilians) | 15–20 members |
Defensive Systems
Defense System | Upgraded countermeasures system with classified active missile defense Infrared countermeasures, chaff/flares, and electronic jamming Hardened avionics and flight control systems against cyber/electronic warfare Fully EMP-shielded command sections Decoy and secure flight routing protocols Continuous secure comms link to White House, Pentagon, and Strategic Command |