The National Airborne Operations Center (NAOC), nicknamed "Doomsday plane" is an aerial command station designed to execute war orders when ground facilities are destroyed during a nuclear conflict. The system allows the president (in his role of commander-in-chief) and key members of his battle staff to maintain in command during such a situation.

73-1676 E-4B

Boeing E-4 Nickname: "Doomsday plane" Mission: Aerial command station designed to execute war orders when ground facilities are destroyed during a nuclear conflict. Variants: E-4A (upgraded to E-4B), E-4B

The E-4 platform, based on the Boeing 747-200 airframe, first flew on 13 June 1973. The first E-4A went into service in December 1973, replacing the EC-135. Another two would follow soon. When the fourth system was delivered on 21 December 1979, it was already upgraded to the E-4B standard. This offered improved accommodations, upgraded engines and new SHF systems. The three remaining E-4As were subsequently upgraded to the E-4B standard.

The E-4Bs flight crew is doubled for redundancy, and the aircraft has a special crew rest area. Besides the crew, the aircraft accommodates up to 94 crew members, including 30 battle staff members and the president in his role as Commander-in-Chief. The main deck (492 m2) is partitioned into five operating compartments. The flight crew section, the NCA area (a flying equivalent of the White House Situation Room), a conference room, battle staff area and a C3I (command, control, communications and intelligence) area. The second deck includes a rest area for mission personnel.

The aircraft is equipped with nuclear thermal shielding and EMP (Electro Magnetic Pulse) protection. Onboard systems include SHF (super high frequency) with the antenna placed in the distinctive blister on top of the fuselage. During a mission the aircraft can stay airborne for up to 72 hours (with in-flight refuelling.) In case of war this can be extended to a full week!

One of the aircraft and its crew of 63 is always on 24-hour alert. The E-4 is also available to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to assist during a natural emergency.

Specification

Specifications listed for the E-4B variant:

Measurements:	Length: 70.51m (231 ft 4 in), Wingspan: 59.64m (195 ft 8 in), Height: 19.94m (63 ft 5 in)
Powerplant:	4 General Electric F103-GE-100 turbofans, each rated at 233.53 kN (52.500 lb)
Fuel and load:	150395 Kg (331.565 lb)
Speed:	926 km/h (500 kts)
Range:	12 hours (unrefueled), 72 hours with in-flight refuelling
Crew and equipment:	63 crew members. Advanced communication equipment including super high frequency system enabling direct TV/radio broadcasts over public networks.

Gallery

The E-4B (73-1676) featured in the gallery, in fact was the first E-4A delivered. It was upgraded to the E-4B standard not long after delivery. The plane is seen here when visiting Eindhoven Airbase, The Netherlands early June 2004. The plane was on standby during the stay, with one engine running continuous.

Operators

The only operator of this type is de US Air Force. They own 4 aircraft (E-4Bs), all assigned to the 1st ACCS, 55th Wg based at Offutt AFB, Nebraska. Serials are: 73-1676, 73-1677, 74-0787 and 75-0125