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If you’re the president of the United States, you probably expect to travel in style with your own private vehicles.
Being such a high-profile figure requires extra security measures – something the Pope knows all too well as he takes trips in his customised Popemobile.
But Donald Trump’s presidential car is a thing to behold.
The US president will be making his way to the UK for his second state visit later today, and The Beast will be accompanying him.
Follow our live blog for updates on Donald Trump’s UK visit
The ultimate American car fit for a president is a limousine, which reportedly cost about $1.5million (£1.1million) to build during Trump’s first stint in the White House.
It was also used by Joe Biden during his presidency.
What is The Beast?
The Beast, simply put, is an absolute unit of a car.
It was commissioned by the US Secret Service in 2014, and was designed to look like a stretch version of a Cadillac XT6 – even though the chassis used is actually that of a Chevrolet Kodiak truck.
It weighs around 20,000lb (9,071kg) and is packed with many more features than a standard vehicle.
The Secret Service says: ‘It is safe to say that this car’s security and coded communications systems make it the most technologically advanced protection vehicle in the world.’
While a lot of these details are kept under wraps for security reasons, The Beast is known to be bulletproof, blast-resistant, and sealed to withstand biochemical attacks.
It apparently also features a night-vision system, the ability to fire tear gas canisters, and door handles that can be electrified to prevent unwanted passengers.
The windows are thought to be about 3in thick, with the vehicle armour around 8in thick.
The Beast is also equipped with medical supplies, including a fridge containing bags of the president’s blood type.
It has a secure communications system able to dispatch the launch codes for nuclear weapons.
More mundane details include leather seats, cup holders, and seating for up to seven people.
How did the presidential limo get to the UK?
Wherever the president goes, his presidential vehicles follow.
The Beast will have been transported to the UK by military cargo aircraft and has previously been flown around the world by a US Air Force C-17.
While it’s abroad, the limo flies two flags on the sides of the front bonnet: the American flag and the flag of the host country, Business Insider reports.
This means The Beast will be flying both the Stars and Stripes and the Union Flag once it touches down in the UK.
What do we know about President Trump’s UK visit?
Donald Trump’s visit to the UK is the first time a world leader has been granted the privilege of a second state visit in well over a century.
He and his wife, Melania, are set to touch down in the UK on Tuesday evening, spending the evening privately on the Windsor Estate before being formally welcomed by the King and Queen at Windsor Castle on Wednesday.
They will be joined by the Prince and Princess of Wales, watching a military procession including servicemen from all branches of the Armed Forces.
Trump will later visit the tomb of Queen Elizabeth II and lay a wreath, and in the evening he and the King will give speeches at the traditional state banquet on Wednesday evening.
On Thursday, Trump will travel to Chequers to meet with Prime Minister Keir Starmer and attend a dinner reception hosted by Chancellor Rachel Reeves.
Meanwhile, Melania will join Princess Kate as they join a Scout group at Frogmore Cottage.
Read the full details about the state visit from our politics reporter Craig Munro
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected].
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