Among the special modes of transportation reserved for the president is Marine One.
A specialty built helicopter, Marine One accompanies the president around the country and even overseas. Built to rescue the president during an emergency, the helicopter is customized with a suite of amazing features.
“The helicopter was very smooth, very impressive,” Obama told reporters after his first ride in the helicopter in 2009. “You go right over the Washington Monument and then you know — kind of curve in by the Capitol. It was spectacular.”
We have compiled some of Marine One’s most amazing features below.
Each year, only four pilots from HMX-1 squadron, aka “The Nighthawks,” have the honor of flying Marine One.
The helicopter can cruise at over 150 mph …
… and can continue flying even if one of its three engines fails.
Marine One has ballistic armor, missile warning systems, and antimissile defenses.
The helicopter is also equipped with secure communication lines for the president to remain in contact with the White House and the Pentagon.
No matter where in the world the helicopter lands, the president is always greeted by a Marine.
Similar to the identical decoy that flies alongside Air Force One, a decoy helicopter flies with Marine One.
Unlike most helicopters, Marine One is so quiet that the president can speak in a normal tone of voice.
There is 200 square feet of interior space …
… enough space for 14 passengers.
Marine One is deployed to serve the president domestically and abroad.
