Thursday, January 22, 2009

US Presidential State Car - Cadillac One



   

The US Presidential State Car is the official state car used by the President of the United States. Analogous to the President's use of an airplane designated Air Force One, the automobile—traditionally a limousine—is informally known as "Cadillac One".

US Presidential State Car-2009 Cadillac Presidential Limousine2009 Cadillac Presidential Limousine - Front View

The current presidential limousine entered service on January 20, 2009, upon the inauguration of Barack Obama. According to GM, the manufacturer, the "2009 Cadillac Presidential Limousine" is the first not to carry a specific model name.

US Presidential State Car-2009 Cadillac Presidential Limousine2009 Cadillac Presidential Limousine - Side View

2009 Cadillac Presidential Limousine Photos during inaugural speech:

US Presidential State Car-2009 Cadillac Presidential Limousine
US Presidential State Car-2009 Cadillac Presidential Limousine
US Presidential State Car-2009 Cadillac Presidential Limousine
US Presidential State Car-2009 Cadillac Presidential LimousineImages from news.yahoo.com.

"Cadillac One" General Specification

Most details of the car are classified for security reasons. It is completely fitted with military grade armor 8 inches thick for maximum protection, and the wheels are fitted with run flat tires. Due to the thickness of the glass, much natural light is excluded, so a fluorescent halo lighting system in the headliner is essential.

The car can seat seven people, including the president. The front seats two, and includes a console-mounted communications center. A glass partition divides the front from back. Three rear facing seats are in the back, with cushions that are able to fold over the partition. The two rear seats are reserved for the president and another passenger; these seats have the ability to recline individually. A folding desk is between the two rear seats. Storage compartments in the interior panels of the car contain communications equipment. The Secret Service refers to the heavily-armored vehicle as "the beast".

On domestic trips, Cadillac One displays the American and presidential standard, which are illuminated by directional flood lights mounted on the hood. When the President performs a state visit to a foreign country, the presidential standard is replaced by the foreign country's flag. The limousine is airlifted for domestic and international use primarily by a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III.

The United States government also operates similarly designed limousines for VIP guests, visiting heads of government, and heads of state.

source: wikipedia.org





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