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Does the military use 747?

The E-4B, a militarized version of the Boeing 747-200, is a four-engine, swept-wing, long-range high-altitude airplane capable of refueling in flight. The main deck is divided into six functional areas: a command work area, conference room, briefing room, an operations team work area, communications area and rest area.



Yes, the military uses the Boeing 747 extensively, though they are modified into highly specialized variants rather than standard troop transports. The most famous is the VC-25A, widely known by its call sign "Air Force One" when the U.S. President is on board. There are currently two VC-25A aircraft (highly modified 747-200Bs), which are being replaced by the newer VC-25B (based on the 747-8) starting in the mid-2020s. Another critical military variant is the E-4B "Nightwatch," also known as the "Doomsday Plane." This is a militarized 747-200 designed to serve as a mobile National Airborne Operations Center in the event of a nuclear attack or national emergency, featuring shielding against electromagnetic pulses (EMP). Other nations and agencies have used 747s for specialized roles as well, such as the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft used by NASA or various "tanker" and experimental laser-test platforms (like the YAL-1). While the 747 is retiring from commercial passenger service in 2026, its "Queen of the Skies" status remains secure in these vital, heavy-duty military and government roles.

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Built in 1967 to produce the mammoth jet, it remains the world's largest manufacturing plant according to Boeing. But after five decades, customer demand for the 747 eroded as Boeing and Airbus (AIR.PA) developed more fuel efficient two-engine widebody planes.

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Lufthansa Flight 540 was the first fatal crash of a 747. On November 20, 1974, it stalled and crashed moments after taking off from Nairobi, with 59 deaths and 98 survivors.

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The Airbus A380 beats the Boeing 747 in passenger capacity, with the ability to accommodate 250 more passengers in a full economy configuration. The A380 offers more interior space, allowing for the inclusion of bars, showers, lounges, and private suites, making it a popular choice for luxurious first-class offerings.

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The oldest active 747 aircraft today The oldest passenger aircraft in commercial operation is Boeing 747-400 EP-MEE (SN 24383) operated by Mahan Air, a privately owned Iranian airline. IBA Insight Flights shows that this aircraft frequently makes trips between Tehran and Moscow, and last flew on 30th January 2023.

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British Airways today (Tuesday, 18 August 2020) retired its first Boeing 747 since announcing last month that all 31 of its jumbo jets had sadly flown their last commercial services.

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The main appeal of the 747-400 like its predecessors was its range rather than its capacity, and in most cases it has been replaced by wide-body twin-engine aircraft of similar range, such as the Boeing 777 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

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Armour plating ensures the plane can withstand a nuclear blast on the ground. All windows are made of bullet-proof armoured glass. Electric defence systems jam enemy radar and confuse missiles, while mirror ball defences hidden in the wings can overcome infrared guidance systems.

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The primary customers are the vice president, using the distinctive call sign "Air Force Two," the first lady, and members of the Cabinet and Congress. The C-32 is a specially configured version of the Boeing 757-200 commercial intercontinental airliner.

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A total of 251 Airbus A380s were built and delivered for civil aviation. How many A380s are still flying? As of May 2023, about 130 A380s are in service - but several airlines plan to reactivate more aircraft during the year.

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For 36 years, Virgin Atlantic flew Boeing 747 aircraft around the world. Now, the planes have been retired in favour of newer, more sustainable aircraft such as the Airbus A350-1000 and the Boeing 787-9. If you miss the 747 as much as we do, here are five things you might not know about the Queen of the Skies…

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As of January 2023, one MD-10 is in commercial service with TAB Airlines. On January 8, 2007, Northwest Airlines retired its last remaining DC-10 from scheduled passenger service, thus ending the aircraft's operations with major airlines.

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As long as you follow the proper regulations for private jets, there is no reason why you couldn't buy and fly a 747. The oldest 747-8 is only ~8 years old. It's not that second hand ones aren't occasionally offered up for sale, but if you're restricting yourself to the -8, don't expect a lot of great deals.

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The North American X-15 may be the fastest plane in the world, with speeds at 4,520 mph and Mach 5.93. It's an experimental aircraft used and powered by NASA and USAF.

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The 747-8 is the world's longest currently-operational passenger airliner, surpassing the Airbus A340-600 by 3.1 ft (0.95 m). With a maximum take-off weight of 975,000 lb (442 t), the 747-8 is the heaviest aircraft, commercial or military, manufactured in the U.S.

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