The aircraft has more facilities than you could ever think and dream of, and of course, it takes care of all the president’s needs. One of those needs of great importance is the President’s health. On the plane, you will find a fully stocked medical suite that houses a team of skilled and qualified doctors, nurses, and surgeons.
It includes an extensive pharmacy, emergency room equipment, and even a fold-out operating table. While the President’s health is of utmost importance on the plane, all passengers are allowed to receive medical treatment. Most importantly, the plane is always prepared for any emergency.
Floor Plan
Modern-day Air Force One was designed off of the very modified Boeing 747. The plane features three decks. The lowest level of the plane is used for the most part as cargo space. The majority of passenger space is on the middle level, and the upper level is dedicated to communications equipment. There are two entrances on the plane. The front entrance near the nose of the plane is for the president, his family, and special guests.
This is the iconic location you have probably seen in pictures of the President waving as he enters and exits the plane. The second entrance is designated for journalists and other staff. The plane has its own retractable stairways for both entrances. The stairs open onto the lower deck, and crew members and staff climb internal staircases to reach the upper decks.
4,000 Square Feet
The three decks of Air Force One stretch 4,000 square feet. That's a lot of square feet. Similar to the White House, the plane is equipped with everything the president might need for his usual work or daily life. There are conference rooms, a medical suite with an operating room, a kitchen, a master bedroom, and probably more things that we don't know of.
The President also has his own suite that features a large office, bathroom, and conference room. And for those accompanying the President, like senior advisors, Secret Service officers, and media, there are also special quarters for them.
Doomsday
In the case that a backup for Air Force One is needed, its big brother steps in. His name is E-4B, AKA "Doomsday Plane." The E-4B is an airborne nuclear bunker and command center that was designed during the Cold War as protection from a nuclear attack. Doomsday is always on standby, following Air Force One in case of an emergency. There are reportedly four Doomsday Planes in existence.
Both Air Force One and "Doomsday" are able to stay in the air for days and outrun even the blow of a nuclear explosion. Just like Air Force One planes, most of the Doomsday Planes’ capacities are classified information.
650 MPH!
The President needs to be ready to travel anywhere in the world at a moment’s notice. For this reason, Air Force One can fly at a speed that is close to the speed of sound. The typical cruising speed of the Air Force One is 580 miles per hour. But, it can fly or, shall we say, zoom up to a speed of 650 mph. It can also fly high and reach a maximum altitude of 45,100 feet, far above commercial flights' height.
It's important for the plane to be able to travel fast, so when allies order a meeting promptly, the President can be almost anywhere within a few hours. And, of course, run from enemy aircraft at a record speed.