Aircraft of the presidents of different countries. Flight number one: what heads of state fly

It has long been known that in order to travel quickly and comfortably, you need to choose a plane. This rule is followed by the leaders of states. They are willing to spend a lot of money, to the dismay of the people they run, in order to acquire the most luxurious and fashionable aircraft. We offer an overview of the most expensive and luxurious presidential boards, equipped with the latest technology, with dining rooms, spas and rooms, the design of which will envy the most luxurious hotels and royal palaces.

The plane cost $37 million and when it first appeared it aroused worldwide interest. Despite the opinion that it is too expensive aircraft, the President of Ghana did not refuse to purchase it. The Falcon 900 Ex is one of two aircraft in the Falcon 7X series. It is designed for long flights, equipped with fuel tanks that, without refueling, provide a flight over a distance of more than 8,000 km. The aircraft is also equipped with TFE731-60 engines and improved electronics. The speed of the aircraft is 950 km / h, but it can reach up to 1040 km / h.

The President of Russia travels around the world in an Il-96-300 aircraft, the cost of which is $50 million. It is equipped with four PS-90 turbo engines and is the first wide-body aircraft in the USSR. High-quality navigation and satellite systems ensure a safe flight. On board can accommodate 262 passengers. In 2015, the Ministry of Defense ordered a new version of the aircraft. It can cover a distance of 3500 km without refueling. Exists in a single version.

The powerful Airbus A319 was recently presented at an exhibition in Dubai. Its cost is 81 million dollars, and it belongs to Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff. On board, passengers are in complete comfort and luxury. They are provided with artsy chairs, pleasant lighting and a single exit. It is a very economical aircraft with low emissions. The aircraft can accommodate 160 passengers. The flight duration is 3750 km.

Ma Yingjiu purchased a private Boeing 737 jet for $90 million. It is equipped with new wings, the shape of which improves the quality of flight, a landing system and other technical innovations. The new Boeing 737 flies faster and higher and is 22% more fuel efficient than previous models. The aircraft has high aerodynamic characteristics, low noise level and a luxurious cabin equipped with LED lighting and everything necessary for a comfortable flight.

For the same Airbus A319CJ aircraft as that of Giorgio Napolitano, it will be necessary to shell out $90 million. The aircraft is built for cargo and passenger transportation with comfort. Equipped with a CFM56s aircraft engine, the aircraft is the dream of any pilot. It is equipped with six command and control screens, side control stick and fly-by-wire control system. In this aircraft, everything is created for the safety of passengers. Sometimes it takes up to six months to prepare it for flight.

The cost of a wide-body, four-turbofan Airbus A340-200 aircraft is $166 million. It is equipped with a glass cockpit, LED lighting, and an in-flight entertainment center.

The plane belonging to Barack Obama is called the "doomsday plane". The cost of the aircraft, and there are only four of them, is $220 million. Detailed characteristics, for obvious reasons, were not disclosed. The only thing known is that it can survive a nuclear explosion, an asteroid impact, and a series of terrorist attacks.

Touted as economical and mobile, French President François Hollande's plane costs $240 million. Airbus A330-200 is designed for short and long flights. 247 passengers can be accommodated on board, so the cabins are equipped so that business meetings and meetings of leaders of states can be held in the air. The aircraft is equipped with LED lighting, super comfortable seats and bunks for the crew.

Whether the Tunisian president was pleased with the $238 million plane or not, the country's government decided to sell the plane after the resignation of Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. Despite the price and specifications, it was used very rarely. On board can accommodate 250 passengers. The flight range is 15-16 thousand km, and the speed is 890 km/h. The aircraft is capable of climbing to a height of 13,000 m.

Known as Konrad Adenauer, the $238 million Airbus A340-313 is impressive and meets all technical and aesthetic requirements. In addition to transporting heads of state, the aircraft was involved in charity flights, for example, it evacuated Lebanese refugees in 2011. Without refueling, he is able to cover a distance of 15-16 thousand km and take on board 143 passengers. In addition to the salon for VIPs, there are many sleeping places.

Bangladesh is not associated with luxury, but when it comes to the $260 million Boeing 777-300ER, doubts arise. He appeared in the state in 2011. In a plane with two engines from General Electric, first and business class cabins. The board is able to cover long distances, and thanks to its low weight it saves fuel by 22%. The plane flies from Bangladesh to Europe without landing and refueling.

If there is an extra 275 million dollars, then you can buy a plane that transports the head of Jordan. It is a fuel-efficient aircraft equipped with the latest technology to make the political leader feel comfortable and safe. If this is not the most expensive aircraft, then one of the safest. Rolls-Royce engines are light but powerful, and the aircraft itself can cover a distance of more than 12,000 km.

Traditional Japanese culture is based on naturalness and simplicity. But the same cannot be accurately attributed to the $300 million Boeing 747-400. He is impressive in every way. Firstly, the speed is 916 km / h, the aircraft can cover a distance of 12,300 km without refueling. Secondly, it has first-class aerodynamic characteristics. The aircraft is controlled by two crews at once.

The Yemeni president is flying a $300 million Boeing 747SP. Unfortunately, in 2015, it was seriously damaged during a fire at the airport, so the president is forced to use aircraft of other brands for visits. There is a civil war going on in Yemen today. Of the 45 aircraft in the country, 13 remained, and the authorities are doing their best to save them.

The cost of the aircraft is 325 million dollars. The Boeing 747-200B is a descendant of the Boeing 747-100. It is heavier and more powerful. The aircraft can cover a distance of 12,000 km. Four engines allow the aircraft to develop a speed of 968 km / h. It is used by the President of the United States for official visits. This board not only impresses with its technical characteristics, but also with its interior decoration.

The Air Force One aircraft is very similar in performance to the US President's aircraft, which is nicknamed "Doomsday", but much more is known about this aircraft. Its cost is 325 million dollars. On board, President Obama held numerous meetings and sessions. Why not? After all, the interior of the aircraft is luxurious, on board there are many rooms for work and leisure, equipped with the latest technology. The aircraft is capable of flying 13,000 km without refueling, and taking more than 100 passengers on board.

President Mugabe of Zimbabwe received a lot of criticism when he bought the plane for $400 million. The police and the security service of the country always have to clear the territory of citizens before landing or taking off the plane, as crowds of onlookers gather. It is really beautiful: the colored stripes on the sides are reminiscent of the country's national flag.

A $500 million aircraft, an Airbus A380 purchased by the Prince of Saudi Arabia. It looks more like a flying five-star hotel. 800 passengers can be accommodated on board. In addition, there is not one such aircraft in the prince's collection, but four. On board there is everything you need for a cozy and luxurious life, including a sauna, a spa, a dining room where 20 lucky people can dine. There is a room that is called the "Magic Carpet" - this room amazes everyone with its beauty and wealth.

If you are King Abdullah, then this is your plane for which you paid $520 million. The Boeing 747 is perfect in every way. There is even a real fountain on board. $150 million was spent on interior decoration. The aircraft's nickname, "The Flying Palace", is completely true.

The cost of a jet passenger aircraft nicknamed the Dreamliner is $600 million. This is truly a dream plane! This is the most expensive board in the world. Not only the price is impressive, but also the technical characteristics, interior and exterior of the aircraft. Outwardly, it looks like a giant kite soaring in the sky. The aircraft develops speed up to 1609 km/h.
There is an amazing chance to look inside. We invite you for a tour.

The history of board number 1 has more than seven decades. The first flight of the head of state in Russia was carried out by the Generalissimo of the Soviet Union Joseph Stalin. Back in 1943, he, along with Molotov, Voroshilov and Beria, arrived at the Tehran Conference.

A lot has changed since then. To begin with, Stalin used the original American Douglas C-47 for the flight. According to one version, then the flight was carried out on a licensed copy of the American Li-2 of individual assembly.

Another Soviet leader, Nikita Khrushchev, unlike his predecessor, used board number 1 much more often. For the transatlantic trip, the General Secretary chose a special Tu-114 (civilian version of the Tu-95 bomber). With this liner there was a curious situation. The American ladders were not long enough, so the Soviet delegation had to descend using the ladder of a fire truck.

On the way to improving the aircraft of the President of Russia

Leonid Brezhnev preferred the swift Il-62. Soviet engineers were able to make the flagship of civil aviation. Brezhnev's successors - Andropov and Gorbachev used it for business trips for official visits to other countries.

The aircraft, which transports the first persons of the state, has special requirements in terms of safety and reliability. It is known about one unpleasant incident that occurred with the "Brezhnev" Il-62. Crossing the air corridor of Algeria, the liner came under fire from the French Mirages. Until now, it remains unclear whether the fire was an accidental mistake, a provocation, or an attempt at sabotage.

When the question arose of what the first plane of the President of Russia would be, which also became the first in the history of the country, it was decided to change the Soviet flagship Il-62 to Il-96. He received tail number RA96012. There are still legends about Boris Yeltsin's aircraft.

Some argue that the board number 1 of the President of Russia could boast of an interior design by Glazunov, an increased flight range. The presence of optoelectronic jamming stations for the homing heads of MANPADS missiles, a special rescue system for the first person of the state in the event of a fall. Like it or not, it is not known for certain. A number of sources, on the contrary, argue that Yeltsin was far from craving for luxury. The presidential liner did not have a beautiful interior. "Design flaws were hidden by simple curtains, the interior space was divided by cardboard partitions."

By 2017, the Rossiya Special Flight Detachment has nine Il-96-300s of various modifications. Therefore, the answer to the question "What Putin flies" is very simple. There are nine planes and two helicopters in the park of the head of state. Most often, the President of the Russian Federation uses the flagship Il-96-300PU (M) with the number R96016 for numerous business trips, participation in summits, forums, official meetings. This is an upgraded version of the predecessor Yeltsin flew. It first took to the air in 2003. However, Putin may prefer the Tu-154M, Tu-134, Il-62M and Yak-40. All of the listed aircraft escort the dominant aircraft No. 1 of the President of Russia in case of force majeure. In the event of an emergency, Vladimir Putin will transfer to another one and safely reach his destination. In addition, the president periodically transfers to another plane due to the peculiarities of the airport and the situation at the destination.

What is Putin's Il-96 equipped with?

The aircraft on which the President of the Russian Federation carries out working trips and pays official visits is suitably equipped. It will make it possible to receive high-ranking and top officials from other countries, to protect the Russian leader from threats and attempts at sabotage.

Protection of the IL-96 is guaranteed from the air and from the ground. In the airspace, the aircraft of the President of Russia is escorted by experienced pilots of a special cover unit. An impressive number of controllers and technicians work on the ground, responsible for the operation of a number of air defense devices that control the moments of takeoff and landing - these are the segments associated with the greatest risk.

Putin's plane is equipped with a set of additional security measures. According to a number of sources, the plane of the President of Russia has its own on-board air defense device, which, by launching an anti-missile, neutralizes a torpedoed missile of intruders. Special camouflage coatings have been installed, thanks to which the aircraft becomes virtually invulnerable to missile guidance and jamming systems. What can we say about all kinds of means of communication, including satellites. Such an abundance of electronic stuffing is due to necessity, not whim.

During the flight to meet with foreign colleagues, the President of Russia works. Under his control is an unimaginable set of tasks that are urgent. Therefore, Putin's plane should not only be reliably protected from all sorts of threats, but also be a mobile version of the office. Vladimir Putin has everything at his fingertips to run the country: computers and office equipment, satellite communication systems, and special communications channels.

What technical "bells and whistles" the plane of Russian President Putin can boast of inside is the merit of the employees of the defense enterprise located in Omsk. They developed and installed a unique radio-electronic "stuffing" of the airliner, thanks to which the Russian leader broadcasts messages encrypted with a special code from any height to anywhere in the world.

The interior of the board number 1 of the President of Russia

In addition to security issues and technological equipment of Putin's aircraft, many are interested in the interior of the airliner. The "flying office" of the head of state must be comfortable, because all conditions must be created for the convenience of work, relaxation of the country's first person, and the reception of high-ranking guests.

According to some media reports, several million rubles were spent on finishing the interior decoration. Walnut veneer wood coverings cost about 15 million. No golden toilet bowls, to the disappointment of those who slander, were installed on Putin's plane. There is a mini-gym, lounges for VIP guests, a dining room, a bar and showers. For safety reasons, the medical unit is equipped with everything necessary to provide emergency medical care.

Jewelers from Zlatoust worked on the interior trim. According to unconfirmed reports, the walls are decorated with engravings on historical themes from the craftsmen of the Pavlovo-Posad garment factory. The layout was the responsibility of Diamonite Aircraft Furnishings Ltd to accurately eliminate the "cardboard partitions" previously reported. It is noted that the internal appearance of the IL-96-300 is made mainly in light colors, while preference was given to the Russian tricolor.

The plane of the President of Russia is made in a strict, classic style. This allows us to accept high-ranking guests without hesitation and create an appropriate image for Russia. Some heads of state are slightly overzealous in their desire to demonstrate the wealth and power of the country. For example, the Prince of Saudi Arabia, Alwaleed bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, has an impressive pool and a hall with a symphony orchestra on his personal three-story Airbus A380, which brightens up the flight of the royal person with musical accompaniment.

Technical characteristics and features of board No. 1

Russia is one of those few countries that can afford to completely create a plane for the president on their own thanks to a developed aircraft industry. The developer of the liner is the Ilyushin Aviation Complex. The Il-96-300 model, which became the base for aircraft No. 1, has a take-off weight of 250 tons and is capable of speeds exceeding 900 kilometers per hour. The range of non-stop flight exceeds nine thousand kilometers - but this is an indicator of serial samples. How long Putin's plane is able to hold out without landing in the air is not known. The information is classified for security purposes.

• Wingspan: 60.1 meters;
• Area - 391.6 square meters;
• The length of the aircraft is 55.35 meters;
• Height - 17.57 meters;
• Fuselage diameter - 6.08 meters;
• The length of the passenger cabin is 41 meters;
• Maximum width - 5.7 meters;
• Maximum height - 2.61 meters;
• Volume - 350 cubic meters.

“... Air Force Commander Alexander Novikov reported that two aircraft were ready for flight. The first will be led by Colonel-General Golovanov, the second by Colonel Grachev. The Supreme Commander was offered to fly with Golovanov, but Stalin chuckled: “Colonel-Generals rarely fly planes, we’ll fly with a colonel ...” ... Together they arrived in Tehran - Stalin, Molotov, Voroshilov and my father ”(from the book of memoirs of Sergo Beria).

Stalin's visit to the Tehran Conference in November 1943 was the first air travel by the First Person of the State in Russian history. The details of this event are quite scarce: it is only known that the original American Douglas C-47 was chosen for the flight (according to other sources, its licensed copy of the Li-2 of an individual assembly). In flight, "Board No. 1" was accompanied by an escort of 27 fighters of the Red Army Air Force.

Nikita Khrushchev, on the other hand, was an avid air traveler and regularly used airplanes during his world tours. The story of his visit to the United States (1959) became most famous. For the transatlantic voyage, Khrushchev chose the Tu-114, the largest turboprop aircraft in the world, also known as the civilian version of the Tu-95 intercontinental bomber. In addition to the General Secretary, his family and a retinue of 63 accompanying persons were on board the airliner. It was not without embarrassment - upon arrival at Andrews airbase, it turned out that all American ladders were not long enough to reach the door of the tall TU-114. The Soviet delegation had to go down the stairs of the fire truck.

Visit of N.S. Khrushchev in the USA. Andrews AFB near Washington

Leonid Brezhnev's favorite airliner was the swift handsome Il-62, the flagship of the civil aviation of the Soviet Union. Brezhnev's successors, Yuri Andropov and Mikhail Gorbachev, flew the same aircraft. For all the time, the plane has never let down its VIP passengers, each time it confidently took off from the runway and, after a few hours, carefully landed on the other side of the Earth. Extremely reliable technology. Only once, while in the airspace of Algeria, the Brezhnev Il-62 came under fire from the French Mirages. Fortunately, everything worked out (it is still not known for certain what it was - a mistake, a provocation or an attempt at sabotage).

First President of the Russian Federation wished to replace the elderly Il-62 with a more modern wide-body airliner Il-96 (a special modification of the Il-96-300PU - “control point”). Until now, there are legends about this aircraft (tail number RA96012): exclusive interior design by Ilya Glazunov, painting in Holland, interior decoration in Switzerland, armored glass and electronic cabin locks, precious woods, inlay with precious stones, tapestries and rare works of art. Finally, the communication and remote control systems of the Strategic Missile Forces in the event of a conflict with the use of nuclear weapons - the presence of special equipment gives out a characteristic plexiglass "chute" on the fuselage of the aircraft. In addition, the “Yeltsin” Il-96-300PU differed from the civilian versions of the “ninety-sixth” in its increased flight range and, according to unofficial data, the presence of optoelectronic jamming stations for MANPADS homing missiles, as well as the First Person rescue system from a falling aircraft (parachutes or an ejection capsule - here the inexhaustible folk fantasy goes to infinity).

The same one, RA96012

At the moment, the Special Flight Detachment "Russia" has four Il-96-300s of various modifications. The flagship is the Il-96-300PU(M), tail number R96016, a modernized version of the Yeltsin Il-96-300PU, which first took to the air in 2003. A real “Flying Kremlin” with the office of the President, meeting rooms, a conference hall and a luxury lounge for accompanying persons and guests on board the aircraft. At hand, the First Person of the State has everything necessary for governing a vast country: computers and office equipment, satellite communication systems, special communication channels. The unique radio-electronic "stuffing" of the airliner, developed at one of the defense enterprises of the city of Omsk, allows you to broadcast messages encrypted with a special code from any height to anywhere in the world.

Despite the occasional indignation about the rich interior decoration of the Il-96-300PU(M), it should be noted that this is not just an aircraft for personal use. The IL-96-300PU(M) is regularly attended by foreign guests, diplomatic missions and media representatives. The plane of the President is a special symbol that creates the image of our country in the eyes of foreigners.
To the disappointment of spiteful critics, there are no “golden toilets” here, the interiors of the Flagman are designed in the “sovereign” style with a hint of Russia’s imperial ambitions. Noble, beautiful and of high quality, without unnecessary "tinsel" and other vulgar elements of flashy luxury.

In a word, the presidential "Il" - a comfortable flying office for business trips around the world - nothing like the "expensive toy" of the Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, who ordered to place a huge pool and concert hall with a symphony orchestra!
The high cost of the "government Il" is largely due to the complex of secret radio-electronic equipment installed on board and special measures related to ensuring the safety of the flight of the government "board".

In December 2012, the air fleet of the Special Flight Detachment "Russia" was replenished with one more Il-96-300 (tail number RA96020), which came to replace its predecessors. At the end of this year 2013, the Office of the Presidential Affairs will receive the second ordered Il (tail number RA96021).

Special government aircraft exist in all countries of the world. The President of the United States flies in a comfortable blue and white Boeing 747 "Air Force One". The German chancellor is on the European Airbus A340 airliner with the personal name Konrad Adenauer. The President of Ukraine uses a small An-74 business class aircraft for his visits. However, most of the powerful of this world are forced to travel on foreign aircraft. Only a few countries have a developed aircraft industry capable of independently creating an aircraft for the First Persons of their state. Here we can proudly state that the highest officials of Russia continue to fly on domestic aircraft.

Long-haul passenger aircraft Il - 96-300.

Dimensions
Wingspan: 60.1 m; aircraft length 55.35 m; aircraft height 17.57 m; wing area 391.6 m2; sweep angle along the line of 1/4 chords - 30 degrees; fuselage diameter 6.08 m;

Passenger Cabin Dimensions
Length 41 m;
maximum width 5.7 m;
maximum height 2.61 m;
volume 350 cubic meters.

Engines
Turbofan engine of the Perm Engine Design Bureau PS-90A with reversers (4x156.9 kN, 4x16000 kgf)

Masses and loads
Maximum takeoff weight - 230 tons; maximum landing weight - 175 tons; empty curb weight - 119 tons; maximum weight without fuel - 157 tons; maximum payload - 40 tons, maximum fuel capacity - 122 tons (150400 l).

flight data
Cruising speed at an altitude of 10100 m - 850-900 km / h; landing approach speed - 260-270 km / h; balanced takeoff distance - 2600 m, required landing distance - 1980 m; practical flight range with a reserve of fuel: with a maximum payload of 7500 km, with a payload of 30 tons - 9000 km; with a payload of 15 tons - 11,000 km.

Design features and technical and economic characteristics
Wing with supercritical airfoil and end aerodynamic surfaces. Estimated resource is 60,000 flight hours (12,000 landings during a 20-year service life), labor intensity of maintenance is 11 man-hours per 1 hour of flight, preparation time for a re-flight is 45 minutes. Fuel consumption per passenger-kilometre is within 23 g.

Equipment
Flight and navigation equipment ensures the operation of the aircraft according to the minimum category IIIA ICAO. A built-in analog fly-by-wire flight control system and a flight mode optimization system, a built-in inertial navigation system, satellite navigation equipment and the Omega radio navigation system, an electronic information display system with six indicators on a CRT and HUD are used. There is built-in control equipment, an automatic system for displaying information about the alignment of the aircraft.

Production and release
It has been mass-produced since 1992.

Program status
The certification of the aircraft according to Russian standards was completed by the end of 1992. To date, the IL-96 corresponds to the second category of ICAO, i.e. can take off and land at the very minimum visibility.

Developer
Aircomplex them. S. V. Ilyushin.

But what for an ordinary person is just a means of transportation, for the president is an office, a house, a bomb shelter and even a mobile hospital. "Smart Magazine" invites you to take a walk on the personal planes of the leaders of different countries.

David Cameron and his "Board of Asceticism"

The Prime Minister of Great Britain recently got his own plane for business flights. For these purposes, the Airbus A330 was re-equipped with the possibility of refueling in the air.

The new aircraft, which is also available for working flights of senior ministers and members of the royal family, cost British taxpayers £10m. The government insists that the use of a separate aircraft will save more than 700 thousand pounds a year (58 million rubles) on charter flights. The Prime Minister assures that the equipment of the aircraft was carried out in conditions of austerity, using the most “modest” finishing materials. Netizens have already suggested calling Air Force One the Ascetic Air Force. In front of the aircraft there is a VIP section with two seats. The section is equipped with curtains that allow you to close and fly in silence.

In the central part there are 58 business class seats for the transportation of large delegations traveling with the management.

Previously, for business flights, the government rented planes from charter companies. Several times, David Cameron used the services of low-cost airlines - air carriers that charge a reduced price for their services in exchange for refusing some of the usual services: advance reservation of seats, lack of entertainment video panels, etc. So, in the summer of 2015, the politician, along with bodyguards, was seen on an economy class plane bound for Portugal, where the prime minister planned to spend a vacation with his wife and children. Cameron got into the camera lens of a 16-year-old schoolgirl who took a selfie. The girl also noted that during the flight, the politician ate chips with paprika with appetite.

Well, now the British Prime Minister can safely enjoy chips behind the closed curtain of a government liner.

Barack Obama and his "Airplane of the Apocalypse"

The term “Air Force One” was coined in the United States during the administration of the 34th President Dwight Eisenhower. The call sign is used to designate the aircraft carrying the president. In the future, the term began to be used in other countries too. Two presidential aircraft of the Boeing VC-25 model, a military modification of the Boeing 747 airliner, were put into operation in 1990 during the time of President George W. Bush. The cost of each of them is 325 million dollars (20.7 billion rubles). Typically, a presidential flight is preceded by a convoy of transport aircraft carrying a motorcade of cars, helicopters and other necessary equipment. Barack Obama became the fourth head of state to use this liner as Air Force One.

The interior was designed in 1987 by Nancy Reagan, the wife of then 40th US President Ronald Reagan. By design, the furnishings had to correspond to the style typical of the southwestern states. In addition, it was supposed to install additional protection against an electromagnetic pulse on board. The project turned out to be so time-consuming that the aircraft was put into operation only under the 41st President of the United States, George W. Bush, and not under the 40th, as was originally planned.

The seat for the president is located in the central part of the aircraft, it includes a bedroom with two sofas that convert into a bed, a toilet, a shower and a personal office. Armchairs for journalists are located closer to the tail section, they correspond to the level of the first class.

Meals can be prepared in two kitchens that can feed up to 100 people at a time. On board the VC-25 there is always an operating table, a supply of necessary medicines and, of course, medical personnel. The salon is divided into guest seats, seats for senior staff, secret service, security and media representatives.

The VC-25 was designed as one of the "Doomsday Planes": in the event of the destruction of all ground command posts, Air Force One would have to replace them, becoming the general staff of the president, the secretary of defense and other members of the military leadership.

The aircraft is capable of covering a distance equal to approximately ⅓ of the length of the Equator without refueling. This allows the American leader to fly from Washington to almost anywhere in the world without worrying about the amount of fuel.

Six flying palaces of Vladimir Putin

Transportation by air of all officials of the Russian Federation is provided by the Special Flight Detachment "Russia". To date, the number of aircraft carrying the head of the Russian state and chief ministers is six. It is planned that by 2018 their number will increase by two more.

Since 1996, the main presidential aircraft has been the Il-96-300PU, a modified version of the passenger Il-96. The two letters in the abbreviation mean "control point". The device is equipped with equipment that allows you to control the armed forces in the event of a nuclear conflict and has an increased range without refueling. The first aircraft of this modification was used by the then head of state Boris Yeltsin since 1996. President Putin also had to fly on the same apparatus for some time.

IL-96-300PU model 1996:

The new plane for Vladimir Putin was built in 2003. On board there were three bars, a lounge with two beds and a study of 10 square meters. In 2010, Dmitry Medvedev, who at that time held the presidential post, announced his intention to expand the fleet by two more similar Il-96-300PU aircraft, but both of them were transferred to use after the end of his term - in 2012 and 2014. On April 25, 2013, it was decided to expand the fleet by one more Il-96-300PU worth 5.2 billion rubles and one Il-96-300 of the Salon modification for transporting large delegations. By the end of 2018, it is planned to replenish the flight squad with two more Il-96-300PU models. The cost of each liner will be about 5 billion rubles. These machines differ from ordinary scheduled aircraft in expensive finishes and advanced communications equipment that allows them to conduct confidential negotiations and, if necessary, control the country's nuclear forces.

The interior of one of the new presidential aircraft:

Here is what the environment of the presidential Il-96-300PU looked like in 2013:

In the photo, Vladimir Putin during a meeting on board the presidential plane with the family of junior sergeant Bair Banzaraktsaev, who died during the aftermath of a flood in the Far East. Photo by RIA Novosti.

Vladimir Putin and Bair Banzaraktsaev's son Galsan play on board the presidential plane. Photo by RIA Novosti .

Francois Hollande and the plane named after someone else's wife

Since November 2010, the French presidential fleet has received an Airbus A330-200 aircraft for use, spending about 176 million euros (12.5 billion rubles) on this upgrade.

On board there is a private space for relaxation, a bed, a dressing room and a bathroom, an office, a kitchen, a soundproof meeting room for 12 people, equipment that allows the transmission of encrypted secret messages, a mini-operating room, space for journalists and business experts. The equipment also makes it possible to transport freed hostages, including the wounded.

From 2002 to 2010, two Airbus A319s were used as the main aircraft of the presidential republic. On March 25, 2009, then-President Nicolas Sarkozy, along with four ministers, were going to fly to Africa, but when the plane taxied to the runway, one of its engines broke down. The President and those accompanying him had to wait for an hour until they were given another plane.

Shortly after the incident, it was decided to replace the main board of the President of France. After purchasing the new aircraft, the government decided to sell both old A319s. The first was acquired by the government of Senegal for 32 million euros (2.2 billion rubles), and the second - by the Singaporean company Genting Singapore PLC. The French presidential fleet also includes two Falcon 7X aircraft purchased in 2009 and 2010. It is suitable for both close and long distances. The aircraft seats 16 people and is well suited for those times when the runway is too short to accommodate a large Airbus A330. During the presidential term of Nicolas Sarkozy, one of the two Falcon 7X government vehicles was named "Carla One" in honor of his wife Carla Bruni and Air Force One.

Angela Merkel and her "toy" plane

Until 2011, the German leadership used the Airbus A310, inherited from the GDR, for working flights. On March 30, 2011, Lufthansa handed over an Airbus A340 liner, which had carried passengers for 10 years, to the chancellor's office. He became the main aircraft of the Chancellor and the government. The board received the name of the first German chancellor Konrad Adenauer and was converted for government needs. In total, Germany's main aircraft is capable of accommodating 143 passengers. That's twice the size of a Boeing 747 used by Barack Obama, even though they're about the same size.

On board there are apartments for the first person: a bedroom, a shower, an office, a conference room for 12 people, a soundproof room for confidential conversations. There are 116 seats for the accompanying delegation. In addition, it is emphasized that the equipment is designed to transport people with disabilities and transport the sick and wounded. The security system includes a "friend or foe" system and missile defense. The liner is capable of flying 13,500 kilometers without refueling, allowing the German leader to travel from Berlin to Beijing, Washington, and even Rio de Janeiro without landing.

Shortly after Konrad Adenauer, the government received a second similar aircraft named after the former President of Germany Theodor Heuss.

Bombardier Global 5000 cabin

For domestic flights, the chancellor and members of other leadership use two Airbus 319 aircraft, which joined the German government fleet in 2010. Each of them is designed for 44 passengers. For short-distance flights, German politicians have four small Global 5000 liners from the Canadian company Bombardier (pronounced Bombardier), accommodating only 13 passengers and capable of covering about 8,900 kilometers without landing.

In connection with the “compactness” of this aircraft, a rather funny story happened. In June 2016, a photo of Merkel's Bombardier Global 5000 and Francois Hollande's Falcon 7X next to the Boeing 747-400 of the British rock band Iron Maiden appeared on the Web. The photo was taken at the Zurich airport. Against the backdrop of a huge Boeing, Merkel and Hollande's airplanes looked funny and toy.

The Iron Maiden group arrived in Switzerland with a concert, and Merkel and Hollande flew in to participate in the opening of the railway tunnel. “Dear passengers, our flight is delayed by a few minutes, as Angela Merkel's plane got stuck in one of our engines,” users quipped in the comments.

Makes international visits and goes on trips around the country. The very appearance of this aircraft should inspire respect for Russia, symbolizing its technical level, economic power and gigantic size. When Putin, the President of our country, Air Force One comes in for landing or takes off, the emotions of all who watch this spectacle correspond to this important moment. This is our plane, it belongs to all the people, the work of many teams has been invested in it, and it was built with the money of taxpayers. People have the right to know what is inside it, how reliable and comfortable it is, how the head of state can fulfill his duties during long-haul flights.

Stalin's Special Air Squad

The head of state could theoretically travel by plane already in the thirties, when the reliability of airplanes reached the proper level. And so it was, although I. V. Stalin, despite his passion for aviation, still preferred land transport. In the military year of 1943, he arrived by air from Baku, on the American Douglas C-47. At that time, the production of licensed transport aircraft of this type (Li-2 or PS-84) was already established in the USSR, but in the USA some components were improved, so the C-47 was chosen from among those supplied under the Lend-Lease agreement. A special military unit for government transportation was formed two days after the start of the war (MAGON), but other members of the senior leadership and military leaders used this special air group. History has not preserved other cases of Stalinist flights, except for a flight to Tehran and back. Most likely, they were not.

From Khrushchev to Yeltsin

Another thing is N. S. Khrushchev. As First Secretary, he appreciated the government's aviation legacy of conventional passenger and other modest twin-engine aircraft and found it too modest. In 1956, a special air squadron (GAS) was created, which immediately received the latest Il-18, Tu-104 and huge Tu-114. In general, the representative functions assigned to this equipment and its personnel were quite consistent with the then world practice, and the most important head of the Soviet Union really needed such machines so as not to look like a “poor relative” among world leaders. In the Brezhnev era, this tradition was continued, the magnificent Il-62 airliner became a symbol of the might of the USSR. The first board number 1 Putin, Il-96, he got from Yeltsin. The aircraft was repeatedly altered, the interior and equipment were changed, and, in the end, four new machines were ordered.

Rossiya, State transport company

VV Putin often pays visits. He spends four times more time in the air than his predecessor in the presidency B. N. Yeltsin. During the flight, he also has to perform the difficult duties of the head of state. Either in Beijing, or in Paris, or in Rio de Janeiro, Putin's aircraft number 1 lands. The photos taken by correspondents of the world mass media capture the edge of the snow-white plane on which the president arrived. It seems that it is always the same, but it is not. In fact, there are currently four of them, and soon there will be five, and these are only of the same type. The state transport company "Russia" has a fleet of more than one of them, including a pair of Ilov-62, Tu-134, Yakov-40 and Mi-8 helicopters. All of them are equipped with a set of equipment necessary for governing the country. But the most important plane number 1 of Putin, whose photo most often ends up on the pages of print and online publications, is, of course, the Il-96-300PU, a flying control post or “air Kremlin”.

Our plane for our president

The choice of brand and type of aircraft was not a particular problem. Of all the passenger liners, back in the Yeltsin era, the largest, most beautiful, reliable, stable in the air and comfortable Il-96 was chosen. Even today he is Putin's number 1 board. Which aircraft could better perform this function?

The idea that the Federation should fly on a foreign aircraft may have occurred to some supporters of "Western values" during the period of great friendship with the United States, but they still did not dare to buy a representative Boeing in the Yeltsin era. The economic difficulties of the nineties are a well-known historical fact, in addition, the wide-body domestic airliner turned out to be quite good. So it remains to this day, Putin's number 1 board. The Il-96-300 model, which has become the base model, has a take-off weight of up to 250 tons, can reach speeds of over 900 km / h, and as for the range of a non-stop flight, it is known that it exceeds 9 thousand kilometers (an indicator for serial samples) , but how much is still a secret. All components and parts in this aircraft are Russian-made, including PS-90A engines, perhaps not as economical as Pratt & Whitney or Rolls Royce products, but reliable. In addition, the motors were assembled with great care. The cost of a regular copy fluctuates around the equivalent of 60 million US dollars. Each presidential board number 1 "Russia" cost the treasury many times more.

Yeltsin Board No. 1

For the first time, the issue of interior design was raised by the administration of President Boris N. Yeltsin after his election to a high post. Prior to this, the tastes of state leaders were relatively undemanding, for example, L. I. Brezhnev liked to play dominoes in flight, which is why the polished table had to be repaired (but not changed) often. Gorbachev's plane was also not liked by the new democratic Yeltsin associates, as was the situation inside the new Il-96, and therefore the interior was ordered in Switzerland (Jet Aviation AG). The contracting firm Mercata Trading, which became an intermediary in this transaction, also made a lot of money. Foreign designers based their development on the sketches of Glazunov (not Ilya, but his son, Ivan). Inside, the Russian board number 1 of that time was a model of luxury and comfort. It has new bedrooms (two), a conference room (for 12 people), comfortable seats for suites and shower cubicles. But the main thing was another innovation: the plane housed a whole mobile medical center, in which it became possible to exercise control over the health of the President, and it left much to be desired. In Helsinki, to "friend Bill" in March 1997, Yeltsin was already delivered a new board number 1.

Need for a new car

From the point of view of national security, ordering a government facility abroad seems to be quite an adventurous affair. Many participants in the events remember the case that occurred during the fire at the US Embassy (1991), when, in a short time and in difficult conditions, Soviet intelligence officers managed to install many "bugs". And in the case of the plane, which stayed in Switzerland for a year (a neutral country, of course, but also quite attractive for spies), only very lazy employees of foreign intelligence services could not take the opportunity to install any listening devices. In addition, the peculiarities of local taxation and wages implied a very high cost of work. At the time of the election of the new President, there was only one such aircraft in the State Customs Committee, and the old Il-62, on which Mikhail Gorbachev also flew, was used as a backup. It was absolutely clear that the next board number 1 (Putin) should be completely built and completed in Russia. It is more reliable, besides, the filling (mainly electronic) required a completely new one, due to the high mobility of the new leader of the country.

English design in Russian execution

Unfortunately, design is not our forte, at least not yet. Therefore, the Russians did not consider it necessary to do without foreign assistance in this area this time either. However, there was a very significant clause in the contract: Dimonite Aircraft Furnishings Ltd performs all work on the territory of the Russian Federation, they are carried out by our specialists and mainly from domestic materials. Thus, two problems were solved at once. Firstly, the interior was guaranteed to meet the highest world ergonomic standards. Secondly, participation in this project provided Russian designers with the opportunity to learn a lot, so that in the future they could do without foreign help. Flight number 1 Putin was supposed to become an example of an ideal combination of high functionality, convenience, comfort and excellent design, bordering on luxury, worthy of the head of a great country, but not crossing the boundaries of good taste.

Privacy Mode

In order to assess the information capabilities of the President's air headquarters, one should understand what his ground residence is. From the Kremlin, the head of state has the opportunity to govern the entire country in peacetime, and in the event of an armed conflict, he, being the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, must exercise command over the troops, in particular, give orders (if necessary) to use tactical or strategic nuclear weapons. There is no doubt that the communication channels intended for the transmission of such orders are highly redundant and extremely reliable. On the ground, it is also very difficult to establish such a system, but during the flight the task becomes much more complicated. Basically, the secrets of board number 1 relate to this particular technical issue. Yes, and the most common communication is also maximally classified. Any word of the President, spoken in a conversation with the Minister of Defense or the head of the regional level, refers to information of particular importance that is not subject to unauthorized disclosure. The same applies to email correspondence.

The uninterrupted functioning of communications is ensured, as a rule, by another aircraft following the same course as Putin's flight number 1. Escort is carried out by a flying repeater.

All electronic equipment and special communications equipment on board the presidential aircraft and at the disposal of ground-based special communications services are made in Russia (apparently in the city of Omsk) and have unique encryption and decryption algorithms. It is impossible for anyone else to connect to them.

Safety

The IL-96 is essentially an ordinary civilian airliner. Ordinary citizens may wonder how safe Putin's Air Force One is in today's difficult times. There is protection, but its details and implementation mechanisms, of course, are kept strictly secret.

The Presidential Security Service is fully aware of the fact that person No. 1 in the state can become the object of an assassination attempt not only on the ground, but also during air travel. It has never been reported that Putin was escorted by fighter jets during the flight, but it is possible that they are present in the airspace. At the same time, the presence of such an escort abroad is problematic due to many legal regulations governing the movement of aircraft, and the President does not fear attacks by enemy interceptors over his country. As for the possibility of hitting the “flying Kremlin” with a surface-to-air missile, there are means against such a threat, but they are kept secret for obvious reasons. It can be assumed that they are not limited to the production of electronic interference.

Staff

The fact that special people are hired into the staff of the State Transport Company Rossiya is not even subject to discussion. The professional qualities of pilots, technicians and flight attendants must correspond to the importance of their work duties. For each of the machines, two crews were selected, working in shifts, plus one commander, who bears the main burden of responsibility. It is known that the honored pilot S. Antsiferov pilots Putin's aircraft number 1. Escort in flight is carried out by ten flight attendants, half of whom are women. In the structure of the State Customs Committee there is no personnel department as such, it is recruited by the mandate commission. Not only professionalism is taken into account, but also such important personal qualities as the level of intelligence, courage and patriotism (this is the concern of the Federal Security Service). A hired worker is not immediately allowed on special aircraft, there is a certain amount. As for the payment, its size is not disclosed, one can only guess that it is quite worthy.

Golden plumbing?

A detailed description of the presidential aircraft is available to the general public and is widely discussed. Like every moment of the life of famous people, the interior of the salons received not only favorable reviews. Both ordinary inhabitants and opposition leaders (who, by the way, are not particularly ascetic) stubbornly exaggerate rumors about how much the board number 1 "Russia" cost the treasury. Photos of plumbing fixtures and even table legs covered with yellow metal are categorically declared to be proof that they are gold (even the price of a toilet bowl was called - 75 thousand dollars). Whether this is actually so, or titanium nitride was used, is not known for certain, and asking such questions is at least unethical. If, for example, a lady is asked whether she is decorated with real diamonds or jewelry, then she may be offended. Interior designers sought to give the most luxurious look, and what means they managed, may remain a mystery. It is only known that the plane cost a little more than Yeltsin's. And this despite the fact that the equipment on it is much larger, and it is really not cheap.