Vehicle Security : The Secrets Hidden Inside the President of the United States Car
When the President of the United States is on the move, he travels in a vehicle that is less like a limousine and more like a moving bunker. Known officially as the Presidential State Car and unofficially as "The Beast," this custom-built Cadillac is one of the most secure and technologically advanced vehicles on the planet.Built to withstand extreme threats, "The Beast" is a fortress on wheels. Its doors are reported to be eight inches thick, with a weight comparable to that of a Boeing 757 cabin door. The body is constructed from a tough combination of steel, aluminum, titanium, and ceramic, making it resistant to both bullets and bombs. The five-inch-thick, multi-layered windows are designed to stop high-caliber bullets, ensuring the president remains safe inside.The vehicle is also sealed against biochemical attacks and rides on Kevlar-reinforced, run-flat tires, which allow it to keep moving even if they are punctured. It’s a heavy machine, weighing somewhere between 15,000 and 20,000 pounds, built on a heavy-duty truck chassis to handle its immense weight and armor.A Command Center and Medical Unit on WheelsBeyond its defensive shell, "The Beast" serves as a mobile command center. It is equipped with a state-of-the-art, encrypted communication system, allowing the president to securely connect with the Pentagon and other key officials from anywhere in the world.The car is also prepared for any medical emergencies. It is said to carry a supply of the president's blood type and has its own onboard oxygen supply in case the air outside becomes compromised.Ready for AnythingThe limousine comes with a host of other features that sound like they're straight out of a spy movie. These are believed to include electrified door handles to prevent unauthorized entry, the ability to deploy a smoke screen or an oil slick to deter pursuers, and tear gas cannons for defense. The driver, a highly trained Secret Service agent, is capable of performing J-turns and other evasive maneuvers to escape threats.To ensure the president’s safety, there isn't just one "Beast." A fleet of identical vehicles exists, and in any motorcade, there are at least two that are used as decoys. This makes it nearly impossible for an attacker to know which vehicle the president is actually in. When the president travels internationally, "The Beast" goes with him, transported by a C-17 Globemaster military cargo plane."The Beast" is more than just transportation; it's a powerful symbol of the immense security measures taken to protect the leader of the United States.