Air Force Vapor on display in Del Rio

  • Published
  • By 47th Flying Training Wing
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  One of the Air Force's newest national mobile marketing assets, the Vapor, will be on display the afternoon of Aug. 13 and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 14 at the Plaza Del Sol Mall.

The stealth-black Air Force Challenger 'Vapor' features a biometric access to open the vertical doors, a custom stealth body kit with jet enhancements and a carbon fiber exterior trim. Other exterior components include one-off carbon fiber wheels, a custom stealth exhaust mode that allows the vehicle to run in complete silence or you can open up the headers to facilitate the aggressive sound of the engine, shaker hood, radar-absorbing paint, proximity sensors, and a 360-degree camera with a quarter-mile range. The interior of the Vapor is complete with aircraft style controls, a passenger side steering wheel, GPS tracking, night and thermal vision via a film on the front windshield, and the most technologically advanced computer system with remote control UAS-type access from anywhere in the world utilizing the Internet. The Vapor also comes with two custom flight helmets in line with the Air Force theme of the vehicle.

"For Galpin Auto Sports to be commissioned by the most technologically advanced organization on Earth is truly an honor," said Beau Boeckmann, chief designer for Galpin Auto Sports. "This is one of the most extraordinary and important projects that we have ever done."

The making of the Air Force's newest national mobile marketing assets, the Vapor and X-1, can now be seen in a 22-minute documentary featured on airforce.com.

The documentary captures a team of Airmen chosen to work with a crew at Galpin Auto Sports to customize a white Ford Mustang (X-1) and a black Dodge Challenger (Vapor) over a three-month period for the Air Force Recruiting Service 2009 Super Car Tour, a new Air Force recruiting initiative that kicked off in May.

The Air Force partnered with Galpin Auto Sports to create two unique hyper-styled vehicles with the most technologically advanced features available. The vehicles are a combination of form, function and futuristic entertainment.

"We're looking for hands-on people to serve in critical Air Force jobs, and we're fortunate that this partnership will help attract young people who are looking for opportunities to pursue those interests," said Daniel Elkins, Air Force Recruiting Service. "The Super Car Tour is illustrative of the kinds of opportunities available in the Air Force where technology knows no limit."

Galpin Auto Sport's lead customizer, Mad Mike, was present for the unveiling and felt a personal connection to this project having started his career in the Air Force.

"If it was not for the U.S. Air Force, I would not have the knowledge and skills that enables me to stand where I am today." said Mad Mike.

The 2009 Super Car Tour will travel across the country this year as part of a mobile marketing campaign to educate young people on the mechanical and technical career opportunities available in the Air Force. The tour will primarily visit high schools and a variety of Air Force-sponsored events including the DUB magazine auto show, Hot Import Nights, Battle of the Imports, Formula Drift, International Hot Rod Association and local community events.