VC-25A Air Force One

The presidential aircraft built for global reach and national command

Overview

Boeing United States ICAO: VC25 1986–1990 $390 million

The VC-25A is the military designation for the Boeing 747-200B aircraft used to transport the President of the United States. Commonly known by the call sign Air Force One when carrying the president, it serves as a flying command center. The aircraft combines long-range capability with extensive communications and security systems.

Live Fleet Activity (VC25)

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Specifications

Units
Engine
4 × General Electric CF6-80C2B1
Engine type
Turbofan
Thrust
4 × 56,700 lbf · 252 kN
Avionics
—
Wing tips
Raked wingtips
Seats
102
Crew
—
Cabin width
20 ft 1 in  ·  6.13 m
Cabin height
8 ft 4 in  ·  2.54 m
Cabin length
187 ft 0 in  ·  57.00 m
Exterior length
231 ft 8 in  ·  70.60 m
Tail height
63 ft 5 in  ·  19.33 m
Fuselage diameter
21 ft 4 in  ·  6.49 m
Wing span
195 ft 6 in  ·  59.60 m
Baggage volume
999 ft³  ·  28.3 m³
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
833,000 lb  ·  378,000 kg
Max landing weight
630,000 lb  ·  286,000 kg
Max payload
150,500 lb  ·  68,000 kg
Fuel capacity
53,600 gal · 202,900 L · 162,400 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
548 kt  ·  631 mph  ·  1,015 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
150 kt  ·  173 mph  ·  278 km/h
Range
6,850 nm  ·  7,880 mi  ·  12,690 km
Fuel burn
0.13 nm/gal  ·  0.06 km/L
Ceiling
45,100 ft  ·  13,700 m
Rate of climb
1,500 ft/min  ·  8 m/s
Takeoff distance
10,500 ft  ·  3,190 m
Landing distance
8,000 ft  ·  2,440 m
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Air Force One on the ground.

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Operational Context

VC-25A Air Force One — presidential transport aircraft

The VC-25A is based on the Boeing 747-200B airliner and entered service in 1990, replacing earlier presidential aircraft. Two examples were delivered to the United States Air Force and extensively modified for executive transport and national command roles. The aircraft retains the distinctive 747 configuration with a widebody fuselage and four engines.

Powered by four General Electric CF6 turbofan engines producing approximately 56,000 pounds of thrust (250 kN) each, the VC-25A cruises at about 500 knots (925 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight exceeds 800,000 pounds (363,000 kg). The aircraft has an unrefueled range of roughly 7,800 nautical miles (14,450 km), extendable through aerial refueling capability.

The interior includes secure communications, conference areas, and accommodations for staff and security personnel. The VC-25A is designed to remain operational in a wide range of scenarios, including national emergencies. It remains one of the most recognizable aircraft in the world and a symbol of presidential mobility.

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