Air Force 3701

Air Force 3701
Role Presidential transport
National origin United States
Manufacturer Boeing
First flight 4 February 2000
Introduction 18 March 2000
Primary user Republic of China Air Force
Number built 1
Developed from Boeing 737-800

The Air Force 3701 (traditional Chinese: 空軍3701; simplified Chinese: 空军3701; pinyin: Kōngjūn 3701) is the presidential aircraft for the President of the Republic of China. The aircraft is a modified Boeing 737-800 and operated by the Republic of China Air Force.[1][2]

History

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  • 4 February 2000: The aircraft was bought from Boeing in the United States with a budget of NT$2 billion from the Ministry of National Defense for its purchase and modification. It flew from Seattle and arrived three days later.[3]
  • 7 February 2000: The aircraft arrived in Taipei.[3]
  • 18 March 2000: The cabin crews were formally commissioned.[3]
  • June 2005: The son of President Chen Shui-bian, applied to complete his wedding with the aircraft, which caused controversy. Chen Chih-chung explained that Taiwan High Speed Rail was not yet operational. If people involved in the wedding rushed from Taipei to Taichung, the long distance would impose inconveniences on people along the route, so an application to use Air Force 3701 was submitted.

Design

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The aircraft underwent modifications in few areas, such as the front section of its fuselage. It is also equipped with satellite for continuous communication throughout the flight. Modifications are done to the base aircraft to fit Presidential travel.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ 聯合影音. "總統專機"空軍一號" 內部公開解密". 聯合影音.
  2. ^ Zaher, Richard (11 February 2015). "World's Top 10 Presidential Aircraft". Paramount Business Jets.
  3. ^ a b c Lin, Chieh-yu (15 July 2000). "No-frills flying on Taiwan's 'Air Force One'". Taipei Times. Retrieved 23 November 2021.
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