Overview The presidential air transport fleet consists of two specially configured Boeing 747-200B aircraft (tail numbers 28000 and 29000) with the Air Force designation VC-25A. When the President of the United States is aboard either aircraft, or any Air Force aircraft for that matter, the radio call sign is “Air Force One”. History of ‘Air …
Mission The Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker’s primary mission is to aerial refuel compatible U.S. Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps aircraft. It also provides refueling support to compatible allied aircraft when required. Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker Background On 15 July 1954, Boeing’s famous Model 367-80 prototype took to the air for the first time. The four-jet, swept-wing transport provided …
Overview The KC-97 Stratofreighter, with its “double-bubble” fuselage, was basically a military version of the Boeing Model 377 Stratocruiser; though its wing, engine, and tail were acquired from the B-29 Superfortress bomber. The C-97 served a varied mission when active; in addition to both transport and tanker roles, it was used for medical evacuation and …
Overview The U.S. Air Force had planned for a total of 134 B-50As, RB-50Bs, and B-50Ds to be converted to aerial tankers, once they were no longer needed by the atomic bombing forces of SAC. All of their armament would be deleted, the outer wings would be reinforced, and equipment would be added that would …
Mission The E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (Joint STARS) is a long-range, air-to-ground surveillance system designed to locate, classify and track ground targets in all weather conditions. As an airborne battle management and command and control platform, it conducts ground surveillance to develop an understanding of the enemy’s situation and to support attack …
Mission The E-4B serves as the National Airborne Operations Center (NAOC) for the National Command Authorities. In case of a national emergency or destruction of ground command control centers, the aircraft provides a modern, highly survivable, command, control and communications center to direct U.S. forces, execute emergency war orders and coordinate actions by civil authorities. …
Mission The E-3 Sentry is an airborne warning and control system (AWACS) aircraft that provides all-weather surveillance, command, control and communications needed by commanders of U.S., NATO and other allied air defense forces. As proven in Operation Allied Force, it is the premier air battle command and control aircraft in the world today. Background Engineering, …
Overview The C-32A, a military version of Boeing’s 757-200, has replaced the VC-137B/C aircraft that were recently retired from the presidential airlift fleet. The new planes will carry the U.S. vice president, cabinet members, secretaries, and other dignitaries stateside and around the world. The first of four C-32As, all operated by the 89th Airlift Wing, left Boeing’s …
Overview Currently the world’s largest aircraft, the first Antonov An-225 Mriya (meaning “Dream”) prototype flew on 21 December 1988. It was designed and built by Antonov Design Bureau (headquarters in Kiev, Ukraine), known for their outstanding achievements in producing heavy transport aircraft. It is the largest aircraft to ever takeoff more than once. Capable of …
Overview The Antonov An-72 “Coaler” was designed as a Short TakeOff and Landing (STOL) aircraft which can operate from unprepared airfields. The An-72 originated as An-32, but was later fitted with jet engines. The first prototype flew on 22 December 1977, and the aircraft entered service in 1979. The wings are high-mounted with two turbofans located in …
