The Popemobile has landed, just ahead of the pontiff himself who arrives for the first ever papal state visit to the UK
The Popemobile has landed, just ahead of the pontiff himself who arrives for the first ever papal state visit to the UK. Pope Benedict will use two modified Mercedes M-Class vehicles as he travels through Edinburgh, London and Birmingham. 
Fit for a papal: The new high tech Popemobile for Pope Benedict on
display outside the Metropolitan Police Training Base in north London.
Pic/AFP
The Popemobiles, which cost ufffd75,000( Rs 5 crore) each, have a bullet-proof glass box for the pontiff to wave to the public.
In addition to the driver, there is room for one passenger (usually a security agent) in the front of the vehicle. The glass-enclosed rear of the vehicle also has room for two papal aides who can sit in the area in front of the Pope's elevated chair.
The vehicle's security features include bulletproof glass windows and roof and reinforced, armoured side panels and chassis and it has a top speed of 160mph.
However, on papal business in Britain the Popemobile. is expected to travel at a more sedate 6mph.
British drivers chosen by local authorities will drive the popemobiles, which will be powered by green energy and the drivers will be provided some time to get used to the car.
Registration plate
The Popemobile's registration plates read SCV1, which is the abbreviation for Stato della Citta del Vaticano, or Vatican City State.
The Metropolitan Police says it is working closely with papal organisers to provide the best vantage points for onlookers to see the Popemobile.
"While security issues will be paramount, the police is working with HM Government, event organisers and other partners to ensure routes for the popemobile are designed with the aim of affording the public the best opportunity of seeing Pope Benedict.
"Those wishing to see the Pope are advised to plan their trips well in advance," a Met Police spokesman said.
The Vatican abandoned the use of an uncovered Popemobile and started to use bullet-proof glass after the assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II in 1981.
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