Boeing VC-25

Boeing · United States · first flew 1987 · transport aircraft

The Boeing VC-25 is the US Air Force's executive transport derived from the Boeing 747-200, operated as Air Force One when carrying the US President. Two aircraft (SAM 28000 and SAM 29000) serve in this role.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Low-mounted, swept
E — Engines	4 × turbofan, wing-mounted
F — Fuselage	Air-to-air refuelling receptacle on fuselage nose
T — Tail	Conventional

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Spot it by:

US Presidential transport — 'Air Force One' when President aboard
Modified Boeing 747-200 with distinctive blue and white livery
Air-to-air refuelling receptacle on fuselage nose

Essentially a Boeing 747-200 with the iconic blue and white livery featuring 'United States of America' in large letters along the fuselage; the in-flight refuelling receptacle on the nose is a distinguishing feature from commercial 747s.

Specifications

The Boeing VC-25 has a length of 70.66 m (232 ft).
It has a wingspan of 59.94 m (197 ft).
Typical crew: 26 crew plus passengers.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

The VC-25A entered service in 1990 to replace the VC-137C. Extensively modified from the commercial 747-200, it features air-to-air refuelling capability, self-sufficient ground power, advanced communications, and security systems. A VC-25B replacement programme based on the 747-8 is under development.

Variants

Two VC-25A aircraft serve as presidential transports; the VC-25B designation covers the planned 747-8-based replacement.

Where you'll see it

Operated by the 89th Airlift Wing at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland; these aircraft have carried every US president since George H.W. Bush.

Related aircraft

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