The U.S. Air Force has awarded a $13 billion contract to Sierra Nevada Corp to develop a successor to the E-4B, also known as the “Doomsday plane” for its ability to withstand nuclear war. The new project, called Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC), aims to replace the aging E-4B, which dates back to the 1970s. Work will be conducted in Colorado, Nevada, and Ohio, with completion expected by 2036. The new system will feature a commercial derivative jet adapted to military requirements. This decision comes after the Air Force excluded Boeing from the competition. The E-4B serves as a mobile command post, capable of surviving nuclear blasts and providing communication capabilities during national emergencies. With the current fleet aging and becoming more costly to maintain, the new SAOC project addresses the need for a modernized solution.
The U.S. Air Force said on Friday that it has awarded a $13 billion contract to Sierra Nevada Corp to develop a successor to the E-4B, known as the Doomsday plane due to its ability to survive a nuclear war.
The Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC) project is intended to replace the aging 1970s-era aircraft, which is approaching end-of-service life, an Air Force spokesperson said in a statement.
Work on the SAOC will be carried out in Colorado, Nevada and Ohio and is expected to be completed in 2036, the Air Force added.
To satisfy operational requirements, the weapon system will comprise of a commercial derivative jet hardened and modified to meet military requirements.
Reuters in December reported that the U.S. Air Force eliminated Boeing, opens new tab from its competition to develop a successor to the E-4B Nightwatch.
While typically used to transport the U.S. secretary of defense, the E-4B is designed as a mobile command post capable of withstanding nuclear blasts and electromagnetic effects, allowing U.S. leaders to deliver orders to the military in the event of a national emergency.
The E-4B is also capable of refueling mid-air and features conference and briefing rooms and advanced communications equipment.
The Air Force currently operates four E-4B aircraft with at least one on alert at all times. The fleet of highly-modified Boeing 747-200 jumbo jets has become increasingly difficult and expensive to maintain as parts become obsolete.
The E-4B is expected to reach the end of its service life in the early 2030s. [Reuters]
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