Specifications - Air Force Two
Summary
Air Force Two, usually a C-32A aircraft, is the designated air transport for the Vice President of the United States. Sleek and smaller than the President’s VC-25A/B, it is capable of operating in diverse environments and airports where larger aircraft cannot. It provides both security and efficiency, supporting high-level diplomatic missions, domestic travel, and emergency continuity of government operations.
The C-32A is equipped with private offices, secure communication links, and press accommodations while retaining a range of over 5,500 nautical miles. While it lacks the aerial refueling and hardened defense suite of Air Force One, it remains a highly capable executive platform with robust DoD-level communications and operational capabilities.
The aircraft is typically supported logistically by military airlift teams, with vehicles and staff deployed via transport aircraft such as the C-17. As a critical asset in the U.S. executive travel fleet, Air Force Two ensures the Vice President remains connected, protected, and operational wherever their mission takes them.
General
| Max Occupancy | ~45–50 (crew, Vice President’s staff, Secret Service, press, and medical) | |
| Food Source | Onboard galley with refrigeration; meals prepared and served by Air Force personnel | |
| Air Filtration | Advanced cabin air systems with HEPA filters | |
| Network | Secure satellite-based voice and data communications; DoD-protected secure network and phone systems | |
| Autonomy | Extended range without refueling; limited to ~10 hours continuous flight; does not support in-flight refueling | |
| Capacity | Executive transport and limited airborne command functionality for the Vice President | |
| Size | Based on Boeing 757-200 airframe | |
| Power Source | Two Rolls-Royce RB211-535E4 engines | |
| Water Source | Onboard water tanks for consumption, galley, and lavatories |
Size Overview
| Total Number of Decks | 1 main deck | |
| Total Horizontal Footprint | 44 ft 6 in (13.5 m) | |
| Total Floor Space | ~2,200 sq ft | |
| Structural Layers | Reinforced cabin and avionics bays, some shielding for critical systems | |
| Volume | Approx. 25,000–30,000 cubic feet (pressurized cabin space) | |
| Key Facility Sizes | Executive Suite: Private office and conference table with secure comms Staff Seating Area: Dedicated seating section for Vice Presidential aides and Secret Service Press Section: Rear cabin area configured for up to 12–14 press members Medical Support: Limited emergency medical equipment and first aid station Comms Area: Small technical station for IT and secure data transmission |
Backup Vehicles & Transportation Facilities
| Location | Deployed globally with military logistical support | |
| Motorcade Fleet | Vehicles including armored SUV, Secret Service chase cars, and motorcycles deployed via C-17 | |
| Aircraft | Primary: C-32A (4 active airframes) Alternate: C-40 Clipper or C-20 Gulfstream as needed |
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| Surface & Subterranean Access | N/A (aircraft-based only) | |
| Vehicle Support Facilities | Maintained at Joint Base Andrews and other strategic locations |
Personnel
| Executive Branch (President, VP, Cabinet) | Up to 10–15 individuals | |
| Federal Agency Directors (FBI, CIA, NSA, DHS, etc.) | Occasionally included depending on mission | |
| Military Personnel | ~15–20 (pilot, co-pilot, flight engineers, communications, logistics, and flight stewards) | |
| Medical Staff | At least one trained crew member with emergency medical training; additional support deployable | |
| Technical & Operations Staff | Communication and IT operators on board | |
| Support Staff (maintenance, sanitation, food, admin) | Flight stewards, admin aides | |
| General Population (residents and other civilians) | 10–14 press correspondents in designated rear cabin |
Defensive Systems
| Defense System | Limited missile defense countermeasures (believed to include flares and electronic jamming) Reinforced avionics and secure communications systems Encrypted data and radio links to government and military networks Operates under military protection with fighter escort as required |