The VC-25 is a specially configured Boeing 747-200B equipped for airlifting the President and his entourage. VC-25s operate under the call sign “Air Force One” when the President is aboard, and SAM (Special Air Mission) during non-presidential flights.
Aircraft are equipped with staff work areas, a conference room, a general seating area, and an executive office. Communications capability includes worldwide secure and clear communications and a full suite of strategic C2 comm/data links.
The aircraft also have a full self-defensive suite. The fleet is operated by the Presidential Airlift Group of the 89th Airlift Wing at JB Andrews. FY20 funded the fleet’s final block upgrade, which included MUOS and protected SATCOM, weather radar, digital voice/data comms, and networking. FY25 funds integration of the Multi-Role Tactical Common Data Link to add low-latency satellite teleconferencing and higher-capacity tactical data links on a second aircraft. USAF also plans to upgrade the fleet with the Senior Leader Communication Modernization effort in common with its executive fleets. These aim to keep the VC-25A fleet viable until the next generation VC-25B enters service.
Boeing began converting two undelivered commercial 747-8 Intercontinental airframes to VC-25B standards under a $3.9 billion contract in 2020. VC-25B modification includes adding mission comms, DV interior, self-defensive systems, integral airstairs/ground-level boarding, as well as autonomous baggage handling, a second auxiliary power unit, and uprated electrical systems.
Unlike the current fleet, the VC-25B will not be capable of refueling in-flight as a cost saving measure. Production challenges have delayed the aircraft by three years jeopardizing the VC-25A’s congressionally mandated 2025 out-of-service date. Boeing now plans to deliver the first aircraft in 2027, and the second in 2028.
VC-25 Air Force One Technical Data
Contractor: Boeing.
First Flight: Sept. 6, 1990 (VC-25A).
Delivered: August-December 1990.
IOC: Dec. 8, 1990; planned 2024 (VC-25B).
Production: Two VC-25A; two VC-25B (undergoing modification).
Inventory: Two (VC-25A).
Operator: AMC
Aircraft Location: JB Andrews, Md.
Active Variants: •VC-25A. Specially configured presidential support version of the Boeing 747-200B. •VC-25B. Next-generation presidential aircraft based on the Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental.
Dimensions: Span 195.8 ft, length 231.8 ft, height 63.4 ft (A); span 224.5 ft, length 250.2 ft, height 63.4 ft (B).
Weight: Max T-O 833,000 lb (A); max T-O 987,000 lb (B).
Power Plant: Four GE Aviation CF6-80C2B1 turbofans, each 56,700 lb thrust (A); four GE Aviation GEnx-2B turbofans, each 66,500 lb thrust (B).
Performance: Speed 630 mph, range 7,800 miles (farther with air refueling) (A); speed 660 mph, range 8,900 miles (B).
Ceiling: 45,100 ft.
Accommodation: Two pilots, navigator, flight engineer, up to 22 cabin and maintenance crew.
Load: Up to 102 passengers (A); TBD (B).
