Inside The President's Car: The Beast

Summary

The Beast, the U.S. President's official car, is a one-of-a-kind vehicle designed for maximum security and luxury. Created by General Motors, it blends cutting-edge technology with military-grade defense features, including bulletproof armor, blast-resistant materials, and secure communication systems. Inside, the car offers supreme comfort, with an interior fit for a world leader and equipped to handle any emergency. Its specialized design includes night vision, tear gas launchers, and even an electrified door handle. The Beast is not just a car but a mobile fortress, built to protect the president at all costs.

Takeaways

• 😀 Takeaway 1: The American presidential limousine, known as 'The Beast,' is a heavily armored, military-grade vehicle designed to transport the President safely in any scenario.
• 😀 Takeaway 2: Commissioned during the Obama administration in 2014 and making its debut in 2018, 'The Beast' is a collaboration between General Motors and military technology developers.
• 😀 Takeaway 3: The vehicle is built on a Chevrolet Kodiak truck chassis but designed to look like a Cadillac, blending luxury with rugged, defensive capabilities.
• 😀 Takeaway 4: *The Beast* is equipped with military-grade armor, bulletproof windows, and advanced security features, including a night-vision camera, tear gas grenade launcher, and smoke screen dispensers.
• 😀 Takeaway 5: Inside, *The Beast* offers a luxurious, spacious interior with the finest leather and wood finishes, and a secure communication system linking the President directly to the Pentagon and White House.
• 😀 Takeaway 6: The vehicle can be hermetically sealed in case of a chemical attack, providing oxygen and a panic button to summon immediate help.
• 😀 Takeaway 7: 'The Beast' can carry the President, a driver, and a Secret Service agent in the front, with additional seating for high-ranking guests in the rear cabin.
• 😀 Takeaway 8: Secret Service agents are specially trained not only to drive but to maintain and secure the vehicle, ensuring the safety of the President at all times.
• 😀 Takeaway 9: The vehicle’s tires are reinforced with Kevlar, enabling *The Beast* to continue driving even if a tire bursts, showcasing its advanced defensive features.
• 😀 Takeaway 10: *The Beast* combines luxury and function to create an unparalleled mobile fortress for the President, embodying the epitome of security and executive travel.

Q & A

What is 'The Beast' and why is it significant?

'The Beast' is the nickname for the U.S. President's official car. It is a unique, heavily armored, and customized vehicle designed to transport the President with the highest levels of security, luxury, and communication capabilities. It also serves as a mobile command center, enabling the President to remain in control of state matters while on the move.

When was the current version of 'The Beast' commissioned and debuted?

The current version of 'The Beast' was commissioned by the Obama administration in 2014 and debuted on September 24, 2018, when former President Donald Trump used it for a ride to the United Nations in New York.

How long did it take to build 'The Beast' and why?

The production of 'The Beast' took over four years because the specifications required for the vehicle were unprecedented. The car’s design called for collaboration between automobile manufacturers, military hardware producers, and software specialists, making it a highly complex project.

What is the estimated cost of 'The Beast'?

The exact cost of 'The Beast' is not publicly disclosed, but it is estimated to be between one million and one and a half million dollars per vehicle. It is part of a contract that was initially valued at 16 million dollars, though the exact number of vehicles produced remains a secret.

What materials are used in the construction of 'The Beast'?

'The Beast' is constructed using military-grade materials, including a combination of ceramic armor, steel, and aluminum, all designed to withstand various types of attacks, such as explosives, rocket-propelled grenades, and bullet impacts.

How does the interior of 'The Beast' contribute to the President's security?

The interior of 'The Beast' is designed as both a luxurious space and a panic room. It is equipped with a hermetically sealing system to protect from chemical or biological attacks, along with an oxygen supply for survival. The car also contains essential medical supplies, including units of the President's blood type for immediate transfusion.

What unique features does the vehicle have for security and protection?

'The Beast' features several unique security measures, including 5-8 inch thick bulletproof glass, reinforced steel plating, and a fuel tank surrounded by explosion-prevention foam. The doors are 8 inches thick and filled with special foam, and the car’s tires are Kevlar-reinforced to be puncture-resistant.

Can the windows of 'The Beast' be opened?

No, the only window in 'The Beast' that can be opened is the driver's window, and it only opens about three inches to allow communication with agents outside. This design ensures maximum security by limiting exposure to the outside.

What defensive measures does 'The Beast' have for crowd control?

'The Beast' is equipped with tear gas grenade launchers, smoke screens, and an oil slick dispenser. These features allow the vehicle to disperse threatening crowds or evade attackers, making it capable of handling a variety of potential threats.

How does 'The Beast' ensure the President remains connected while on the move?

'The Beast' is equipped with secure communication tools, including encrypted satellite phones, a video conferencing system, and a direct line to the White House and Pentagon. This allows the President to maintain control over state matters, even while traveling or in foreign countries.