Featured Image Credit: Bob Sharples / www.jetphotos.co.uk / Abaca Press / Alamy Stock Photo
Ben Thompson
In this modern age, the thought of being wiped out by nuclear weapons is never too far from our minds.
Whether it's speculating on what would set off an apocalyptic conflict or on our chances of survival, it's a subject that generates a lot of conversation - and can keep you awake at night.
Well, it turns out that President Joe Biden probably has more reason to sleep soundly compared to the rest of us.
President Biden, like previous commanders in chief, has access to a 'doomsday plane' that will keep him safe in the worst case scenario.
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The aircraft, call sign GRIM99, is described as the Flying Pentagon and could be used as a centre of operations during a nuclear conflict.
It's capable of flying 150 hours non stop thanks to airborne refueling, the Boeing 747 is officially known as the National Emergency Airborne Operations Centre.
This 'doomsday plane' is one of four such planes on constant standby.
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Given the sensitive nature of its use, much about the plane is kept secret, but it is known to carry nuclear and thermal shielding and enough communications for a US defence chief to direct operations during a war.
The four aircraft are based in Nebraska and have been operational since 1980. Each stands six storeys high and has four powerful General Electric engines equipped with massive fuel tanks.
This means that there is no risk of the plane needing to land for a refuel during the nuclear exchange.
With the aircraft's flight deck equipment being analogue, it can withstand jamming or the electromagnetic pulse that follows a nuclear detonation.
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Only the best for the US president, right?
On board the plane will be a crew of 112 people, who will have access to 18 bunk beds, six bathrooms, a kitchen, conference room, briefing room and an operations centre.
The plane's interior is reportedly quite basic, with very little in the way of modern day devices. There are no touch screens onboard, as they would most likely be disabled during a nuclear war.
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With a maximum speed of 969kph, the plane can fly at 14,000 metres and has a take-off load of 377,000kg.
It is expected to remain in service until 2039, long after President Biden vacates his seat in the Oval Office.
There has been heightened concern about the risk of nuclear war since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.
Russia has been thrown into turmoil after a mercenary group that previously fought for President Putin have turned against him.