Wings and wheels fit for presidents

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Wings and wheels fit for presidents

On his swing through three Asian nations, U.S. President George W. Bush stays in touch with the White House with the help of two vehicles: Air Force One and his presidential limousine.

Air Force One, which carried the president to Japan on Sunday, and the Cadillac limousine that he used in Japan, allow him satellite communication with Washington. They also have the latest technology to brief the president on world affairs.

Air Force One, which is an adaptation of a Boeing 747, always travels with two C-5 Galaxy cargo planes, which carry the presidential limousine and ambulance. The presidential limousine is bullet-proof; its glass and body are designed to withstand any machine gun or artillery attack. The four wheels are sturdy enough to drive on at 80 kilometers an hour even in the event of a grenade explosion.

The American president is always accompanied by an aide who holds the "black bag." Weighing about 15 kilograms, the bag contains the codes needed for use of nuclear weapons or hotlines to the British prime minister and the French president.

On Wednesday's joint visit to Dorasan Station near the Demilitarized Zone, Mr. Bush will travel independently, while President Kim Dae-jung will be traveling on the new presidential train named "Gyeongbokho."

The train was completed last year, and the travel to Dorasan Station will be its maiden voyage. The South Korean government decided to use the Gyeongbokho after the previous presidential train, manufactured in 1969, outlived its 20-year life span.

The Gyeongbokho can travel at fast as 160 kilometers an hour. The train is also fit for long travel through the two Koreas and to China and Russia.

The presidential train is equipped with the latest communication technology, as well as a presidential office, reception rooms, a cafeteria and rooms for bodyguards and aides. Its body is bullet-proof and impervious to electronic waves. It is virtually noise-and vibration-free.

by Chun Young-gi

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