WHEN THE PRESIDENT OF THE USA TRAVELS, THE BEAST IS HOW HE ROLLS.
When you’re the top dog in the United States of America, you don’t get to travel like normal folk. The President of the good old US of A is basically a permanent target for bad guys, especially these days as we saw recently when the Secret Service was being so secretive that they missed a sniper taking potshots at the orange guy. If you’re into action movies, you’ll know that the Pres always travels in special vehicles that have been custom-curated to be safe and secure, no matter if it’s for road or air travel. On the road, the big boss rolls in a fortified limousine, and the most recent incarnation is dubbed “The Beast” and it really is in every sense of the word. The extra-long office on wheels pitched up at Jay Leno’s garage where it was put under the proverbial microscope. We can’t help but think that there are a bunch of things that have been left out though because bad guys can also subscribe to YouTube. Over and above the video, this is what we can tell you about The Beast. Formally known as the Presidential State Car, it’s a unique and highly secure limousine designed to ensure the utmost safety and comfort for the President while incorporating cutting-edge technology and security measures. The tradition of presidential state cars dates back to the early 20th century, but the modern incarnation of The Beast started with the Cadillac DTS model introduced during the George W. Bush administration in 2001. The current version, built by General Motors, was first used in 2018 during Donald Trump's presidency. He could have used it the other day, but he’ll have to get back in office for access to it. The Beast is built on a truck frame, and the car's body is made of a combination of steel, aluminium, titanium, and ceramics to provide maximum protection. It weighs between 6,800 to 9,100 kg and is a massive 18 feet long and 6 feet tall.
The body is designed to withstand ballistic, explosive, and chemical attacks and the windows are multi-layered and bulletproof, with each window capable of resisting armour-piercing bullets, but it’s not clear what calibres it can resist. The doors are about 200 mm thick and weigh as much as those on a Boeing 757 aircraft. The tyres are Kevlar-reinforced and can run even if they are flat, ensuring the vehicle can continue to move in emergencies. The Beast is equipped with advanced technology to aid in communication and defence, so it also features secure satellite communications and an internal PA system to allow the President to stay in contact with their administration and emergency services. It’s equipped with night vision, smoke screens, and a tear gas cannon and there are also reportedly firearms and a supply of the President's blood type in case of emergency. The interior is designed for maximum comfort and functionality, the car typically seats the President and up to four passengers in a rear compartment that is isolated from the driver's area. It includes a foldable desk, a communications centre, and a sophisticated air filtration system to protect against biological and chemical attacks. The Beast is used not only for domestic trips but also for international travel. The Secret Service meticulously plans and coordinates the transport of the vehicle. It is often flown on military cargo planes like the C-17 Globemaster III. Let’s hope their plans to transport the Pres are better than their plans for outdoor events. Beyond its practical use, The Beast serves as a symbol of American power and the lengths to which the nation will go to protect its leader. It embodies the technological prowess and the security measures deemed necessary in today's geopolitical climate.
Take a look at the YouTube video that shows off as much as can be safely shown on The Beast, the President of the USA's armoured limousine: Jay Leno Explores The Beast: Inside the Presidential Limousine with Secret Service Agents | Jay Leno's Garage
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