Sacred Cow & SAM 26000 Moved into New Fourth Building

Restoration crews at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force moved two presidential aircraft into the museum’s new fourth building on April 9. The VC-54C Sacred Cow, which was first used by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and the VC-137C Air Force One (SAM 26000), which was used by eight presidents – Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, George H.W. Bush and Clinton, will be on display in the Presidential Gallery when the building opens to the public on June 8.

[ScottGammans]

My goodness the 26000 is simply stunning. She looks like she just came off the Boeing assembly line! Can't wait to see her, the XB-70, and all of the other aircraft in this marvelous collection. 8-)

[SFhiker]

Will have to swing by on the next run to Ohio, it's been a couple years since I was there. My grandfather retired out of WPAFB and he took me to the museum every summer. We always made extra circles around the B-36, he was a radio operator on one until the retired them. I've always wanted to get inside one and finally a couple years ago the curator at the SAC museum gave me the permission. I spent over an hour inside making videos for a presentation to the K-State avn program. I sent a copy of it to my dad, and a couple days later he sent back a picture of my grandad and his crew from 1958 in front of their bomber. The tail number matched the SAC museum's bird! How lucky can you get? Russ in Kansas, SFC, USA, ret...

[rsattahip]

This historical 707 should be made flyable and shown all over the country at special events.

[MrTitan]

Fantastic Plane .. Sam been in her 2 times...grew up in the 60's....seen the plane on news casts...never in my wildest dreams would I ever see this plane up close and go inside !! this 707 is the Classic Cadillac in the hanger .... Awesome !!

[ArtistTouch]

I can't wait for the new hanger to open. I can't wait just to back to your GREAT Museum.

[GlamorousTitanic]

This aircraft is a truly a marvel of engineering and a crown jewel of American heritage. No other airplane best described and displayed the power of the men who traveled in it then this one. Even the 747's used today in my opinion can't match the nostalgia this aircraft has about it. It's been everywhere and carried the most famous and powerful people in the world. From the Cuban Missile Crisis to President Nixon and his trip to Peking, its seen some amazing things.

I plan to visit sometime in the future. Btw is it still open to public viewing and can you walk through it?

[dgrant]

That is the Hanoi Taxi (C-141) in the background in several shots

[jordie]

I just wish that put it back in the air.

[jim]

Where do I sign up to be an airplane waxer! I'd love that job! Give me a case of polish and I'd have that XB-70 cleaned up so nice you could see yourself!

[hotironaircraftshop]

I thought that the Boeing 707 based Air Force One was replaced during Reagan's time in office by a Boeing 747 based plane. If so, why would subsequent presidents use the old plane?

[zigwald]

this is a great place to take the family.if you are an aviation buff, this is heaven! and it's FREE....

[TT_]

Inappropriate I feel to have a clip of his assassination included on tis but that plane - 26000 - looks more beautiful than ever.

[bradleysmall]

I want to check out the rt side forward luggage compartment where jfk took his final flight....

[NVRAMboi]

No need to show the Zapruder film in this context. Even a still B&W photograph of Pres. and Mrs. Kennedy leaving Love Field conveys what we already know.

[johnsilva]

Get that bird back where she belongs, in the air. In service of historical value to her country. Fly the Sam.

[rockyfanatic]

I would like to own that plane when I am 30