Everyone knows that the President of the United States, when traveling long distances, needs Air Force One. But few people know about Air Force Two carrying the vice president.
Air Force Two carries the vice president of the United States.
According to Indy Star, like Air Force One , Air Force Two does not refer to any particular aircraft, but rather refers to any aircraft used by the vice president of the United States.
Air Force Two is typically a C-32A , an improved version of the Boeing 757 commercial jet. The US Air Force currently operates a squadron of C-32As to carry Vice President Mike Pence, members of the government, and officials. top position.
The cockpit of the plane carrying the vice president of the United States.
Four C-32s were delivered by Boeing to the US Air Force in May 1998. These planes have a useful life of 25 years, which is until 2023.
The aircraft carrying the US vice president is equipped with two Pratt & Whitney 2040 engines, which can fly continuously for 10,000km without refueling. The aircraft operates at an altitude of 12,700 meters, reaching a maximum speed of 853 km / h. The plane can carry 45 passengers and 16 crew members.
US Vice President Mike Pence and his wife leave Air Force Two.
Air Force Two is equipped with the most modern avionics, able to land and stop on its own without pilot intervention. Of course, planes cannot avoid flying objects on their own.
In 2012, Air Force Two carrying then US Vice President Joe Biden crashed into a bird. Mr. Biden then changed to another plane just in case.
Vice President Mike Pence aboard Air Force Two.
The cost to operate Air Force Two is estimated at up to ,000 an hour, according to 2016 data. The reporters who accompany the vice president on Air Force Two must pay for the seats themselves.
Associates and advisers of the vice president of the United States, if dining on Air Force Two, will also have to pay for themselves. If the vice president uses Air Force Two to attend a political event, the vice president’s party will have to reimburse the government for travel expenses.
TV screen on Air Force Two.
Air Force Two is divided into four compartments. The first compartment houses the communication center, kitchen and toilet. 10 business class seats are located here.
The second compartment is used by VIPs and vice presidents, with a meeting room, a dressing room, a private bathroom, a large sofa that can be turned into a bed.
Vice President Mike Pence shares a photo aboard Air Force Two.
The third compartment includes eight business class seats and a press conference room. The final compartment located at the rear of the plane includes 32 regular seats, two bathrooms and a kitchen.
Air Force Two is fully equipped with communication equipment such as satellite phones, TVs, fax machines, airplanes. After the C-32A’s service life expires, the US Air Force will be issued a new aircraft with many improvements, increasing the flight range and improving communications, adding space for passengers, helping the vice president and staff feel more comfortable.
The plane can carry up to 45 people.
Air Force Two aircraft that serve the vice president and top officials after the end of their useful life will be placed on the US Air Force’s reserve list.
Over the course of a few years, these planes will be auctioned off and donated to museums serving visitors.