India's Air Force One? VVIPs to take to sky in style
New Delhi: It could well be called India’s Air Force One. In the times of recession, three Boeing business jets, meant to be used by our political leadership, will cost Rs 300 crore.
The Boeing 737 is not just an aircraft but also a satellite-linked flying command post.
From a height of 41,000 feet, the Prime Minister can issue directions to his Government or his military commanders in the event of an emergency
"This aircraft is class apart and is one of the finest available,” says Air Chief Marshal FH Major.
The aircraft is customised to ensure the safety of high-risk political dignitaries. This aircraft is capable of deflecting enemy missiles with flares and its electronic counter measures can suppress radars aiding an attack.
They have a range limitation of 3,000 miles, which means that if the President or Prime Minister have to travel overseas, they still have to rely on good old Air India. Each of these flying machines cost in excess of Rs 300 crore.
But can this aircraft be called Air Force One? “There's a huge difference between US Air Force 1 and this. For one that's a 747 platform,” says Major.
The business jets will combine with the IAF's Embraers to give a smooth ride to the national leadership.
While Embraers can carry only 14 passengers, these can fly a VIP entourage of 60, replacing the ageing Boeing 737-200 fleet inducted in 1983.
India's VIP aircraft fleet has come a long way since it flew the Tupolev-124s in the 1970s. The nation's heart skipped a beat when the then prime minister Morarji Desai narrowly escaped an air crash. With these aircraft, it will hopefully be a thing of the past.
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