One of the safest planes in the world may be the target of something somewhat unusual by some journalists, according to the political website POLITICO.

According to the portal, which titles the note 'DC's real crime wave', dozens of journalists misappropriated small utensils ranging from engraved whiskey glasses, glasses, goblets, badges with the Air Force One logo, in a kind of 'rampant theft'.

Given the frenzy of usurpation of small items, the note says that some journalists were encouraging other colleagues to take some souvenirs, an attitude that would have gotten out of control, necessitating an inventory by the Air Force One crew in February to find out the that was taken, notifying the White House Travel Office.

With the rapid spread of illegal acts, NBC correspondent Kelly O'Donnel, president of the White House Correspondents' Association, issued a statement warning of a ban on the removal of items from the plane, highlighting the bad example set by some colleagues.

Finally, the fact that items were removed from the United States presidential plane shows that even the high level of security and surveillance was not able to prevent the inappropriate removal of items.

Meet the United States Air Force One

Air Force One, designed over the classic Boeing 747-200, has modifications to meet the demands of transporting the US president. The aircraft is one of the most important from the USAF, as well as one of the most secret in the military aviation scene.

The VC-25 (its original name) is a VIP flying fortress, the aircraft's protection systems are taken to a level that is difficult to reach. In fact, they are two completely identical VC-25s, one called VC-25A and the other VC-25B. Both were introduced in 1990, each aircraft costing around 300 million.

The planes have the following security systems:

• Protection against electromagnetic pulses and nuclear explosions;
• Flare/chaff system;
• Revo Capability (In-flight Refueling). What makes it possible for the AF1 to fly indefinitely;
• Complex communications system, 85 telephones and satellite communication capability;
• Secret Service Room;

Altogether about Air Force One carries about 76 passengers. The AF1 also has a medical space inside, which includes an operating table.

On the top floor there is a complete communication center. It also has a cockpit with space for the pilots, flight engineer and navigator (It should be noted that it is a Boeing 747-200).

other curiosities

The name "Air Force One" is used only when the President is on board the aircraft.

Given its vast security system, it is not often that the VC-25A/B is escorted by fighter jets, but it has happened.

 

On September 11, 2001, Air Force One was the safe haven for former US President George W. Bush. Bush was in the state of Florida when the twin tower attacks took place in New York. Fearing the president's life, the AF1 was used as protection for a long time and its stay in flight was escorted by fighter jets.

After the attacks, US air control, fearing further attacks, chose to veto all flights over the country. Only Air Force One and other military aircraft continued to fly on September 11, 2001.

The future Air Force One

The future of the AF1 is already defined, the current Boeings 747-200 converted into VC-25/B will be exchanged for new Boeings 747-8.

It is very likely that when the current VC-25s are withdrawn from service, they will be taken to an aeronautical museum in the USA.

The new aircraft are already going through the extensive process of modification and installation of multiple safety systems.

As with the current VC-25s, not much is known what defense capabilities the new US presidential aircraft will have. But it is believed that there are systems such as: missile warning and defensive technologies, waste distribution systems and directional infrared countermeasures, in-flight refueling capabilities, among other features.

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