Thursday, 28 Nov 2024

Inside The Beast – Trump's high tech car that was 'defeated by a ramp'

Donald Trump is arriving in the UK today – and he’s bringing The Beast with him.

The £1.2million limousine was presented to the President in 2018, replacing the previous Cadillac One, used by Barack Obama.

Yes, the car that got stuck on a small ramp as it exited the US Embassy in Ireland eight years ago…

The latest model of The Beast is kitted out with bullet-proof windows, puncture resistant tyres and a satellite phone.

There’s also pump-action shotguns, tear gas cannons, and bags of the President’s Rh-negative blood type on board too.

Here’s all we know about the President’s ‘First Car’…

When did The Beast debut?

Donald Trump’s presidential state car debuted on September 24, 2018.

The new model is a unique Cadillac, fitted with dozens of defence mechanisms to keep The President safe.

The first presidential car was launched in the 1910s, however it wasn’t until more than a decade later that the first Cadillac was introduced to then-President Herbert Hoover.

Prior to the latest model, former President Barack Obama rode around in his car – launched on January 20, 2009.

It carried him two miles down Pennsylvania Avenue to his inaugural parade – and also left him trapped on a ramp outside the US Embassy in Ireland.

US security services later denied it was The Beast that got stuck, claiming instead that ‘a spare limo, carrying staff and support personnel’ was involved in the incident.

How secure is it?

The latest model of The Beast is extremely secure – with windows built up with more that five layers of glass and polycarbonate.

The windows can withstand bullets and do not open. In fact, the only window that does open is the driver’s, and by just three inches.

As well as the windows, the doors are also bullet-proof. They are armour-plated, more than eight inches thick and fully-sealed to protect those inside from a chemical attack.

Oh, and they weigh the same as those on a Boeing 757.

The tyres and shred and puncture resistant, and has steel rims which would enable The Beast to escape even if the tyres were somehow damaged.

Inside the bodywork – made up of steel, aluminium, titanium and ceramic – are reinforced steel plates, which protects the vehicle from bombs.

What defence accessories does it carry?

The Beast is fully kitted out when it comes to defence accessories.

Inside are pump-action shotguns and on the front, tear gas grenade launchers are fitted.

The car also had a firefighting system in the rear, as well as smoke screen dispensers.

What else is inside?

Also inside the vehicle are bags of the President’s Rh-negative blood type, just in case he ever needed a transfusion.

The Cadillac has it’s own panic button and oxygen supply too, which is available to Trump from the rear.

The front of the car sports night vision cameras.

Any features for Trump?

President Trump also has features in the car created just for him.

For example, in the rear he has a personal seat fitted with a satellite phone and a direct line to the Vice President and the Pentagon.

There is also a glass partition to separate the driver and the passengers – however, only Trump has the switch to lower it.

Who drives it?

The Beast is driven by a chauffeur who was trained by the US Secret Service.

The driver has knowledge on how to deal with the most demanding driving conditions as well as how to escape an evasion.

Other vehicles visiting the UK?

As well as The Beast, President Trump is bringing a number of other vehicles with him on his three-day trip – including several aircraft.

Air Force One – The White House in the air, will be flying the president over to London Stansted for 9am.

The aircraft is capable of refuelling in mid-air and has a hardened body – tough enough to withstand a nuclear blast.

Marine One, the President’s helicopter, is also visiting the UK, alongside The Osprey MV-22 – Trump’s escort aircraft.

Alongside The Beast will be the presidential motorcade, which is made up of a number of cars, vans and defence vehicles.

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