Engineering:Air Force 3701

From HandWiki
Short description: Official aircraft of the President of the Republic of China
Air Force 3701
空軍3701
3701 - Taiwan Air Force (7379149866).jpg
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 based upon a Boeing 737-800 and operated by the Republic of China Air Force .[1][2]

History

  • 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

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

  • Air transports of heads of state and government

References