America sends 'Beast' to Vietnam to serve President Biden?

As US President Joe Biden prepares to embark on his Asia tour, the “Beast” always attracts the attention of local people. Visits by US presidents to Vietnam have always attracted attention. This time, the “Beast” will retain the same appeal if it is brought to Vietnam.

Characteristics of "Beast"

The Beast, officially known as the Presidential Limousine, is a military- grade armored vehicle with at least 5 inches of armor and 8 inches of doors, parts of which can weigh as much as a Boeing 757 cabin door.

Once closed, these doors form an impenetrable seal designed to withstand chemical attacks. The windows are equally strong, with five layers of glass and polycarbonate that can withstand other weapon threats. The Beast’s reinforced chassis and tires allow it to keep moving even after an attack.

A version of "The Beast" in 2009. (Photo: AP)

Inside the Beast, there is room for up to four passengers in the back, with a partition that can be raised at the push of a button for privacy. The fuel tank is explosion-proof and contains special foam to prevent explosions even in the event of an accident. The trunk is equipped with an emergency oxygen supply, pepper spray and smoke screens, as well as other security features.

In addition to the armor, the Beast is equipped with advanced technology, including a communications center and a GPS tracking system for navigation. A night vision camera is hidden under the front grille, improving the driver's visibility in low-light conditions.

Driving the Beast requires a highly skilled individual who undergoes rigorous training to ensure they are capable of operating the vehicle and ensuring the safety of the President, as well as possessing exceptional skills and a sense of responsibility.

After visiting India to attend the G-20 summit, US President Joe Biden will visit Vietnam on September 10-11 at the invitation of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.
Referring to Mr. Biden's visit to Vietnam, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said: "President Joe Biden will arrive in Hanoi , Vietnam on September 10. In Hanoi, President Biden will meet with General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and other key Vietnamese leaders to discuss measures to further strengthen cooperation between the United States and Vietnam."
"The two leaders will discuss opportunities to promote economic development, focus on technology and innovation, expand people-to-people ties through educational exchanges and workforce development programs, combat climate change, and enhance peace, prosperity, and stability in the region," White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre added.
After his visit to Vietnam, President Joe Biden will travel to Alaska, where he will attend a ceremony marking the 22nd anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks.

What's so special about "Beast"?

The name "The Beast" first appeared in 2001 with the car of US President George W. Bush. It was a car built to order from the beginning, integrating many of the functions equipped in the modern version.

President Biden's motorcade during his inauguration in January 2021 (Photo: Jerry Glaser)

The current "Beast" model is manufactured by General Motors (GM) in the United States and was launched in 2018. While few details are known about the prototype of The Beast, it is believed to be based on one of GM's larger trucks, albeit equipped with more conventional car-like features, such as those found on the Cadillac Escalade.

The Beast is said to weigh up to 9 tons and can hold 7 people.

The Beast is often used for important visits by US Presidents and was used by Mr Biden in September 2022 for the Queen's state funeral. The Beast was also used for Mr Biden's first visit to the UK in June 2022 after he was appointed president.

Over time, "The Beast" has evolved and changed to include more high-tech features, but every US president since George W. Bush has used a version of it. President Obama has ridden in The Beast multiple times, and President Trump is also a frequent passenger.

Mr. Trump made a notable appearance in "The Beast" when the car was used on the famous Daytona 500 racetrack.

Meanwhile, during Obama's 2011 trip to Ireland, the car believed to be "The Beast" made headlines when it appeared to get stuck briefly on the road leaving the Dublin embassy. A loud bang was heard as the car drove down the ramp and the crowd erupted. US officials later denied it was The Beast, saying the car in question was a backup limo carrying staff and support staff.

On September 1, a C-17 Globemaster III heavy transport aircraft carrying cargo for President Joe Biden's visit to Vietnam landed at Noi Bai Airport, according to a representative of Noi Bai International Airport. Here, a number of sealed packages of goods began to be taken out and loaded onto trucks along with two special Chevrolet and Ford cars.
There will be two more similar flights on September 3.

Besides "The Beast", what else does the US President's motorcade include?

According to The Drive, the US President's motorcade is essentially a mobile armored White House, complete with backup response forces, communications office, press corps, and medical staff.

The convoy is built from a fleet of both specialized and sometimes rented vehicles. The limited number of vehicles, estimated at 16 to 20, requires careful planning and logistical coordination to pre-position the most capable (and often newest) vehicles based on the threat level and operating environment at each destination.

The convoy arrangement is usually noted as follows: The first is the route car – which goes ahead of the convoy and provides route updates, security and traffic control alongside the pilot and sweeper;

Next is the pilot vehicle - supporting the routing vehicle;

Third is the road clearing vehicle - which usually includes police patrol motorcycles;

Next is the lead car – the spearhead and buffer of the convoy;

Then there's backup car number 1 - US Presidents usually travel with at least one limousine as a security decoy and backup in case of an incident;

Backup car number 2 and/or the presidential car, also known as "The Beast", codenamed "Stagecoach" when the president is on board;

Security support vehicle, codename: "Halfback" - carries vehicles serving as protection for the president, usually an armored Chevrolet Suburban;

Electronic Countermeasures Vehicle, codenamed "Watchtower" - Another armored SUV equipped with the latest electronic countermeasures, missile guidance jamming technology and an early warning system designed to detect and neutralize weapons threats;

Support and control vehicles – These vehicles transport members of the entourage who may assist the president in any situation;

A "Watchtower" car.

Overwatch Helicopter – Air Support;

The Secret Service's assault vehicle, code-named "Hawkeye Renegade" - large SUVs that carry armed secret service agents.

Intelligence Department vehicles – coordinate convoy security operations and are linked to individual units.

Hazard Mitigation Medical Emergency Response Vehicle, also known as "Hammer" - Equipped with sensors that can detect nuclear, biological or chemical weapons, equipped with protective gear and other defensive equipment;

"Hawk" car. (Photo: AP)

Press car - carries the White House Press Corps and members of the senior media covering the President's visit;

Presidential Mobile Command and Control Vehicle – Keeps the President securely in contact with the Pentagon and ensures communications within the motorcade are maintained;

Ambulance – provides immediate medical response in case of emergency;

Rear guard - usually consisting of local police cars.

Source: https://vtc.vn/my-dua-quai-thu-sang-viet-nam-phuc-vu-tong-thong-biden-ar817443.html