FAB Uno
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| VC-1A (FAB Uno) | |
|---|---|
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| FAB Uno at Brasília Air Force Base, 2006. | |
| Type | Presidential transport |
| Manufacturer | Airbus |
| Introduced | 2005-01-15 |
| Status | Active service |
| Primary user | Brazilian Air Force |
| Produced | 2004-2005 |
| Number built | 1 |
| Unit cost | R$156 million |
| Developed from | Airbus A319 ACJ |
FAB Uno is the Brazilian Air Force call sign of the aircraft carrying the President of Brazil. Since 2005 the "Special Transport Group" of the Brazilian Air Force has in its fleet this specifically configured Airbus A319 tail number 2101 as the main presidential aircraft.
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[edit] Cabin configuration and security
Officially named "Santos Dumont" it differs from standard A319 in features and security configuration. The cabin is divided into three separate sections. The first section (near the cockpit) is the presidential area of the aircraft, configured with a private office, a suite and a meeting room. The middle section is configured with 8 first-class seats, and is reserved for authorities and special guests. The rear section is configured with 20 business-class seats, and is reserved for journalists and staff.
The aircraft has a complete Intensive Care Unit and three galleys, it is linked with the "SISCOMIS" (Brazilian Military Communications Satellite) which is used to transfer all confidential data, image and voice. The plane is equipped with a number of defense measures, such as flares.
[edit] Specifications (VC-1A)
Data from Brazilian Air Force[1]
General characteristics
- Crew: 12 (2 pilots, cabin crew)
- Capacity: 30 passengers
- Length: 111 ft (33.8 m)
- Wingspan: 111 ft 10 in (34.1 m)
- Height: 38 ft 7 in (11.7 m)
- Wing area: ft² (m²)
- Empty weight: lb (kg)
- Max takeoff weight: 166,500 lb (75,500 kg)
- Powerplant: 2× General Electric CFM56-5 turbofan engines, 27,000 lbf (120 kN) each
Performance
- Cruise speed: .82 Mach
- Range: 3,700 nm (4,300 mi, 6,800 km) unrefueled
- Service ceiling: 41,000 ft (12,000 m)
[edit] Other aircraft
The Special Transport Group (GTE) is the unit of the Brazilian Air Force responsible for transporting the President, Vice-President and other senior government officials. Along with the A319 ACJ, 21 other aircraft are part of the fleet:
- Two VIP-configured Boeing 737-2N3 (VC-96) used for presidential travel within Brazil.
- Two VIP-configured Eurocopter Super Puma (VH-34) presidential helicopters.
- Two VIP-configured Embraer ERJ-145 (VC-99C) aircraft.
- Ten Embraer ERJ-145 (C-99A) jets.
- Two Helibrás HB-355 Esquilo (VH-55) helicopters.
- Three Gates Learjet 35 (VU-35) jets.
The VIP fleet is stationed at the Brasília Air Force Base (BABR).
[edit] Former aircraft
Other aircraft used exclusively for transporting the President of Brazil:
- A Lockheed C-66 Lodestar (VC-66) was the first presidential aircraft, acquired in 1941 during the term of President Getúlio Vargas.
- Two Vickers Viscount (VC-90) were bought in 1954 by President Juscelino Kubitschek to substitute the VC-66.
- Two BAC One-Elevens (VC-92) were acquired by President Costa e Silva in 1968. They were the first jet airplanes used for presidential transport in Brazil.
- Two Boeing 737 (VC-96) were purchased in substitution of the VC-92s, during the administration of President Ernesto Geisel, in 1976.
- A Boeing 707-300 was acquired in 1986 by President José Sarney and served the Presidency until its substitution in 2005 for the current Airbus 319 ACJ.
[edit] Notes
- ^ FAB Uno Technical Specs. FAB: Aeronaves. Retrieved on 2006-11-06.
