Indian VVIP Boeing 737 -700

Older VIP Boeing 737-200 of IAF

Boeing 737 (Type: VIP Transport) Version Boeing 737-200 (IAF Designation: Rajdoot). The Boeing 737 is an American short to medium range, single aisle, narrow body jet airliner. Seating Capacity: 118 (1-class, dense), 104 (1-class, standard). Cargo Capacity: 650 ft³ (18.4 m³). The Air Headquarters Communication Squadron, based at Palam operates three Boeing 737s for VIP duties. Prior to these four aircraft, the Squadron operated another two 737s (K2370 and K2371) which were later replaced by four more taken over from Indian Airlines. (K2412, K2413, K3186 and K3187). All the six aircraft that served with the unit were former civilian aircraft and carried VT registrations at some point of time. 3 in active service in IAF. It carries the President or Prime Minister of India on foreign visits.

The first VVIP flight of Boeing Business Jet was inaugurated toady by the Hon’ble President of India Smt Prathiba Devi Singh Patil at Air Force Station Palam. The aircraft was inducted in the Communication Squadron of the Indian Air Force in the year 2008 and was ready to undertake its first VVIP flight today. The Boeing Business Jet is an executive derivative of the Boeing 737 new generation family. It is a Boeing 737 -700 aircraft with winglets and powerful engines which give it increased range, lower fuel consumption and enhanced handling capabilities. It has a Glass Cockpit with Head Up Display(HUD), Inertial Navigation System, Dual Flight Management System,CAT-III ILS with Autoland capability.The aircraft is capable of cruising upto 41000 feet at a speed of 450 knots. The aircraft is equipped with amenities which enable it to establish itself as an office in the air. The interiors of the aircraft have been designed aesthetically and are configured to seat 60 passengers. The aircraft is divided into three zones. There is a VIP Conference Room which has six executive seats, a 32” LCD and a Video Tele Conferencing (VTC) camera, personalized screens along with noise cancellation headset. The aircraft also has a VIP bedroom with a 24” LCD screen, inbuilt closets, therapeutic oxygen cylinder, emergency medical equipment and a reclining bed. The communications centre that serve the VIP is equipped with SATCOM, Video Tele Conferencing, Internet, Fax, Printer and a UHF set for onboard security personnel. The Executive Zone can accommodate 12 passengers. This zone also has personalized screens and ports for LAN access. The third zone called the Staff Zone can accommodate 36 passengers and is equipped with six drop down screens. The aircraft also caters for In Flight Entertainment which consists of four DVD players, 30 CD changers and an air show. The aircraft has various safety features that take inputs from other systems and aircraft, generating advisories in order to obviate any situation that comprise the safety of the aircraft such as EGPWS (Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning Systems), TCAS (Traffic Collision and Avoidance Systems), Intruder Detection System and Emergency Equipment provisioned with a resuscitator, automatic external defibrillator, therapeutic oxygen cylinder, life rafts and emergency medical kits. The Communication Squadron was entrusted with the responsibility of flying dignitaries within India and abroad ever since its raising on 01 January 1947. Over the years, the squadron has been equipped with various types of aircraft, which include the Dakota, Devon, Viscount ,Avro, Boeing 737, Mi 8 Helicopter, the Embraer Legacy Jet and now the Business Boeing Jets

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