Meet Ground Force One, the president's $1.1 million armored bus
Ground Force One is a 45-foot long bus specially designed by the Secret Service.
And just like "Cadillac One," Obama's Ground Force One is painted jet black.
The Secret Service purchased Ground Force One and its twin decoy from the Tennessee-based company Hemphill Brothers Coach for a cool $1.1 million each. But ultimately the buses are cost-effective.
Before the purchase of Ground Force One, the Secret Service rented a new bus every time the president needed one and then retrofitted the bus with armor plating and other security features.
The bus comes with a suite of security precautions, including run-flat tires, armored exteriors, and heavily reinforced glass.
Ground Force One comes with a fire-suppression system, oxygen tanks to provide breathable air in the case of a chemical attack, and an extra supply of the president's blood in case he is injured.
In addition to the security features, the bus comes equipped with a full suite of office equipment including phones, television, radio, and internet.
Just like “The Beast,” only a select few will ever sit behind the wheel of Ground Force One.
Ground Force One allows the president to be transported comfortably and safely through a series of more remote areas, such as during Obama's bus campaign through Ohio and Pennsylvania in 2012.
Since all the windows except the ones at the front of the bus are heavily tinted, President Obama has to stand next to the driver in order to wave at crowds.
It's unclear what the interior of Ground Force One looks like, but a White House aide once described a seating area with captain’s chairs and a couch.
Source: The New York Times
The bus also makes transportation logistics easier, as the president can immediately go from Air Force One to Ground Force One.
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