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The Boeing VC-137B Stratoliner is a modified version of the Boeing 707 commercial intercontinental airliner and the first jet aircraft designed exclusively for presidential use. For almost 30 years it served as the presidential aircraft, commonly known as "Air Force One." When SAM 26000, as it is commonly known (SAM stands for Special Air Missions), entered service, it was capable of traveling farther and faster than any other executive aircraft in the Air Force fleet. It could also operate from much shorter runways. The VC-137B body is identical to that of the Boeing 707, but has different interior furnishings and electronic equipment.
In December 1972, SAM 26000 was assigned the role of backup presidential aircraft. The aircraft that replaced it as the primary presidential plane (#27000) was another Boeing 707 designated as VC-137C.
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