The security features of the sleek-looking blue and
white aircraft that flew President Donald Trump and First lady Melania of the
United States of America to India on their first state visit in February 2020 are
awesome and mind-boggling at the same time. Not lagging behind in its capabilities is the
shimmering black limousine, in which they travelled in the country. In fact, both are formidable fortresses in
their own right.
THE BIRD AND THE BEAST
(By Subbaram Danda)
The aircraft specially designed with astounding
features for US presidential travel is known as Air Force One. Emblazoned with the words “United States of
America,” the US flag and the Seal of the President of the United States, it is
conspicuous wherever it flies. In fact,
Air Force One is the radio call sign of the aircraft whenever the president
flies.
Air Force One has unlimited flying range and can carry
the president wherever he needs to travel.
An outstanding capability is that it can be refueled midair like certain
types of military planes. Thus it can
keep the president in air indefinitely, if there is an unsafe situation on the
ground.
It is out and out a military aircraft but with swanky
interiors and neat exteriors. Its body
has armour plating and is also made of other tough stuff. It can withstand an
air attack. It is fitted with electronic
counter measures to jam enemy radar. It
can also eject flares to throw heat-seeking missiles off course. Its avionics and other systems can counter
electromagnetic pulses of a nuclear explosion. It can also serve as a de-facto
bunker in case of a nuclear attack.
Inside, the floor space extends over 4,000 square feet
in three levels. The extensive suite for the President has a large office, a conference
hall and rest rooms. It has living spaces for those who accompany the
President, including senior advisors, secret service officers, travelling media
and other guests.
It has a medical suite that can function as an
operating theatre. A doctor is
permanently available on board. The plane’s two food preparation galleys can
feed about 100 persons at any time.
Manufactured by Boeing, it has a top speed of 600
miles per hour and can reach a maximum altitude of 45,000 feet, which is far
above the cruising level of a commercial airplane. It has 85 onboard telephones, a collection of
two-way radios and computer connections.
There are two planes designated for presidential
travel under the radio call sign Air Force One. The one for Vice-President’s use
is called Air Force Two.
“It is beautiful – a great plane, terrific.” This is
how President Trump described Air Force One after his first travel in it some
years ago.
The Beast
The shimmering black limousine that President Trump
used in India carries the nickname the Beast, as it has been designed to
function in rough and tough conditions like a rugged animal. A unique Cadillac, it is the most
technologically advanced, safest and exclusive car in the world. It has a twin version that always travels in
the president’s motorcade.
The body of the Beast is covered in military grade
armour, which can survive a bomb attack.
The doors are 8-inch thick and can protect the occupants in case of a
chemical attack. The windows are built
with five layers of glass and polycarbonate.
Its bus-size tyres are puncture-resistant with steel
rims. This helps the car run under all
circumstances. The fuel tank is filled
with special foam that prevents an explosion during any crash. It has tear-gas and smoke-screen dispensers. It has its own oxygen supply.
In the rear row of the Beast the President is seated. The car can accommodate upto four more
passengers. There is a glass partition
between the President and the others.
Only the President has access to a switch to lower the partition. The President’s seat at the rear has a
satellite phone with a direct line to the Vice President and the Pentagon. The
car also carries blood units of the president’s type in case blood transfusion
becomes necessary.
The Beast is maintained by the Secret Service and its
chauffeur is specially trained by the service.
The driver is capable of coping with the most demanding conditions,
including escape and evasion tactics.
Interestingly, the Beast can make a 180 degree turn.
During President Trump’s India visit, the car flew the
American flag on the right side and the Indian flag on the left. In the cavalcade two Beasts could be seen
moving at a short distance from each other.
“It is not just a car.
It is a beautifully made tank,” an observer has commented.
February 26, 2020
