VC-137C SAM 26000 VC-137C SAM 26000 SAM 26000 was the first of two Boeing VC-137C United States Air Force aircraft specifically configured and maintained for use by the President of the United States. It used the callsign Air Force One when the President was on board, "SAM 26000" otherwise. A VC-137C with Air Force serial number "62-6000", "SAM 26000" was a customized Boeing 707. It entered service in 1962 during the administration of John F. Kennedy and was replaced in Presidential service in 1972 but kept as a backup. The aircraft was finally retired in 1998 and is now on display at the
Boeing VC-25 in general. The two aircraft often operate in conjunction with "Marine One" helicopters, which ferry the President to airports whenever a vehicle motorcade would be inappropriate. Two new aircraft, designated as VC-25B, are scheduled to be delivered by 2024. By 1985, the pair of Boeing 707-based VC-137s used as the Presidential aircraft had been in service for 23 and 13 years respectively, and the USAF began searching for an eventual replacement. The Request for Proposal issued stated that the aircraft to be selected should have at least three engines and an unrefueled range of at least . Both Boeing with