California-based Exosonic has just shown the first computer models of what is likely to be the interior of the next supersonic Air Force One.
The world’s most famous presidential plane, Air Force One, plans to catapult the next occupants of the White House beyond the speed of sound. While in the United States they are already planning the next generation of one of the flying fortresses that accompany their presidents and vice presidents.
To carry out the design, the U.S. government awarded one million euros to the company Exosonic last August 2020. The contract, with a duration of 24 months, included the development of the entire engine, weight, dimensions, communication systems, and passenger cabin layout.
The first computer-generated designs have just been produced for the latter. “With this concept, we are planning to implement new technologies that are not currently available or currently not seen in commercial or business jets,” Stephanie Chahan, senior interior designer at Exosonic, told CNN.
From what can be seen in the 3-D models, the next supersonic Air Force One – or Air Force Two, if the vice president travels in it – will have a couple of private areas for meetings of up to three attendees. These will be equipped with everything needed for secure videoconferencing and for travelers to work.
The flexibility and modularity that characterize modern business jet cabins are always in mind. The second room consists of eight reclining seats and tables where senior personnel can work and rest.
It will also have a third space for up to 20 passengers in a lower class – still far from a simple economy class – with reclining seats equipped with folding tables. Arranged in rows of four, with the classic center aisle, it will carry the rest of the president’s team along with the court of journalists who follow the president aboard Air Force One.
Exosonic plans to create a 31-passenger aircraft capable of cruising at Mach 1.8, equivalent to 1.8 times the speed of sound or 2,222 kilometers per hour, with a range of 9,000 kilometers. According to Exosoni itself.
Until then, and bearing in mind that the Exosonic is still a concept with many elements to be polished, the U.S. president will have to make do with an old Boeing 747-200, which will soon be replaced by a modern Boeing 747-800. The latter model is already being worked on against the clock to be ready by 2024.
