Question about Air Force One and Marine One:

[speeder]

This is not political so I'm asking here, plus I know that someone will know the answer; does the Marine One chopper somehow fold-up and fit inside of Air Force One?

Everywhere the POTUS goes, including overseas, the M1 chopper is right there when he lands. I know that "the beast", (presidential limo), fits in the bottom of AF1 and rolls out on the runway when it lands but Marine One? Seems too large to fit inside.

TIA.

[wdfifteen]

No. The helicopter and limos are shipped in Air Force cargo planes, not in AF1.

[Sooner or later]

C5 or C17

[Nordwest]

C5 and C17 are used.

[speeder]

Ok, thanks. So those cargo planes either fly alongside AF1 or arrive early, I guess?

Sorry for the dumb question, I really hadn't given it much thought.

[carreradpt]

As a former USAF loadmaster, we routinely flew these missions. The limo's, "battle wagons" and other support vehicles/gear/folks are hopscotched around especially during campaign seasons. Helicopters as well. The limo's are not carried by AF1. They were airlifted and in place before AF1 arrives. (not me, a sq mate)

[Seahawk]

Marine Corps One is the designation of the helicopter the President is on. The Marines at HMX-1 fly the President in helos. I have flown with them a bunch.

The main Presidential helo, the one you see, is an H-3 Seaking. It does not go over seas with the President.

The H-60 does go over seas and folds and stuffs into the transport aircraft. Onboard ship.



It folds and stuffs like you read about.

[Seahawk]

From an FMS user, great video of how the thing folds and unfolds.

Watch he whole video. Lived the dream, flew with the Aussies a lot.

[javadog]

Not only does he have a whole host of helicopters an armored Cadillacs to ride in, he sometimes rides in other vehicles and has other planes at his disposal.

[carreradpt]

Generally speaking, folks have absolutely no idea of the logistics involved with a Presidential move. Watch the footage of any Presidential arrival/departure and take note of the number of vehicles present. And think that most will not be seen. Then you have the comm gear/users, security and their gear, metal detectors, podiums, press corps, staff, and much much more. It is all airlifted by USAF in and out. Including the helicopters. Everywhere in the world he goes. Then think of the backups and hot spares in place as this mission is the highest priority missions we fly, bar non.

The president has also used C17's when the use of his usual aircraft are not practical (usually higher threat areas.

[GH85Carrera]

I chatted with one of the crew chiefs of Helo1. He said the Army used to fly the president around long ago. One time they tried to only clean up one side that the press would see and the back side was filthy. The press saw the dirty side and published it.

The Marines keep Marine1 spotless. He said wherever they go, they are number on on any parts list. If a part is needed they can go take it off of a functioning aircraft. They only go 1/2 the normal maintenance time on parts and all maintenance. It gets special treatment, just like Air Force One. It has always been like that with the POTUS aircraft.

[javadog]

I once saw a diagram of all of the planes, helicopters and vehicles used to support his transportation. It’s huge.

[dad911]

Good question, interesting thread.

[Seahawk]

Originally Posted by GH85Carrera

The Marines keep Marine1 spotless. He said wherever they go, they are number on on any parts list. If a part is needed they can go take it off of a functioning aircraft. They only go 1/2 the normal maintenance time on parts and all maintenance. It gets special treatment, just like Air Force One. It has always been like that with the POTUS aircraft.

The Presidential helos are called "white tops" and get all the attention a helicopter would ever need.

When I was the Chief Government Pilot at the Sikorsky Factory, the HMX-1 Green Top 53E's would show up and get loaded in a special area. They didn't ask, I didn't tell.

The reworked Presidential H-3's were worked in a separate hanger and flown by Sikorsky and Government pilots with a Yankee White clearance and always guarded on the ramp.

I never wanted to know....the pilot that worked for me (a former HMX-1 pilot) was great and we completely understood the separation. Three years and I never asked to see the inside of the white top H-3.

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by javadog

I once saw a diagram of all of the planes, helicopters and vehicles used to support his transportation. It’s huge.

George H visited Painesville, Ohio for a meet and greet, early 90's. He was also going to stop at nearby Mentor High School for some gathering. Days before, five of those gigantic twin rotor helicopters were practicing simultaneous landings on the school's football field. It was a sight to behold.

I would imagine they coordinate with local to venue military bases to provide additional support.

[GH85Carrera]

And the folks that follow along are just part of it.

They will put up a temporary flight restriction to all air traffic in the area and they are watching for intruders. One of the aerial photo companies we work with had a funny story. Their old very high time pilot was flying an aerial mission. It is just like mowing the yard, just back and forth, with a gap between the last pass. He was almost done with a mission, and the TFR popper up, and it was his responsibility to know it was in effect. He clipped the corner of the TFR and finished his mission, and then headed back to home airport.

He was plodding along in a 1964 Cessna 206 and in no hurry to get home. All of the sudden a jet fighter screamed past him. Another one came along almost standing vertically to come along side but still went past really fast. He reduced power and was enjoying a private air show of slow flying jet fighters. They finally called him on the radio, and asked where he was going and they said they would meet him at the airport. It all worked out OK, as it was obvious he clipped the corner of a TFR that just popped up and it was because the POTUS changed the plans. He was no danger, and it was clear he was an experienced pilot and not just out flying where he should not have been for fun.

[KNS]

While the H-3s are fastidiously maintained they are long overdue for replacement, one of them was in service during the Nixon administration. The selection process for the new Sikorsky is a whole ‘nother story in itself (I’m just glad a foreign manufacturer didn’t ultimately win the bid to fly the US President).

[faverymi]

Originally Posted by KNS

While the H-3s are fastidiously maintained they are long overdue for replacement, one of them was in service during the Nixon administration. The selection process for the new Sikorsky is a whole ‘nother story in itself (I’m just glad a foreign manufacturer didn’t ultimately win the bid to fly the US President).

Isn't Sikorsky in Connecticut?.
Past CT river before New Haven south bound on I 95?

[Crowbob]

We've had two Presidents (Ford, GWB) visit my little town. Those visits completely and totally disrupted all transportation by air, land and sea before, during and even a little bit after. It was very interesting and awesome to behold.

[pmax]

And I thought Ford escaped in a real pod !