The Russian fleet is larger and fresher: the West compared the planes of Putin and Biden
The meeting between the heads of Russia and the United States aroused interest not only among political scientists trying to predict the consequences of the negotiations for world stability. The attention of observers was also attracted by such a purely technical moment as the presidential planes on which the leaders of the countries arrived in Switzerland.
Which plane is more impressive? Joe Biden's "Air Force One" or Vladimir Putin's "flying Kremlin" with a gym on board?
- asked a question in the German edition of Flug Revue as part of a comparison of two types of machines.
As noted, in terms of aircraft size, "Putin clearly loses": "Il-96-300PU is much shorter", having a length of 55,3 m, a wingspan of 57,6 m and a take-off weight of 250 tons - "this is the most impressive thing that is currently can offer the Russian aircraft industry for passenger transportation. " Biden's double-deck VC-25A, based on the Boeing 747-200, has a length of 70,6 m, a wingspan of 59,6 m and weighs almost 380 tons.
However, the Russian government fleet has ten Il-96s in VIP design, of which four are built according to the extended presidential standard Il-96-300PU. At the same time, only two VC-25A are at the disposal of the head of the White House.
The President of the Russian Federation flies on much more recent aircraft, while the VC-25A has been in service since 1990. They are expected to be replaced in 2025 by two VC-25A - upgraded 747-8Is originally built for the Russian airline Transaero.
Presidential Il-s are equipped with modern communication technology, which makes them real command posts. They also carry anti-missile weapons on board. The evacuation of the first person of the state is envisaged.
On board the presidential Il-96 are a study, a conference room, a gym, a shower, a dining room, a luxury bar, a first aid room and a separate sleeping room.
Similar, albeit less flashy, looks like the VC-25A of the Americans.
- indicated in the Western press.
A variety of means of communication, anti-missile equipment, equipment for protection against radioactive radiation during nuclear explosions, a rescue capsule for the president, an air refueling system (unlike Il-s), an executive suite with a dressing room, toilet, shower and office, a conference room are listed , a dining room, separate areas for guests and employees, two kitchens and a room with medical equipment.
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