The US Air Force has awarded a $13 billion contract to Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) to develop a new fleet of airborne command centers, nicknamed “doomsday planes,” to replace the aging Boeing E-4B Nightwatch aircraft.
These specialized planes serve as mobile command posts in the event of a national emergency, including nuclear war.
The current fleet, however, is nearing the end of its lifespan, with parts becoming increasingly obsolete.
The new aircraft, dubbed the Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC), will be designed to withstand nuclear blasts and electromagnetic effects.
Key Points:
- Contract: $13 billion awarded to Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC)
- Purpose: Replace aging E-4B Nightwatch aircraft
- Capabilities: Nuclear blast and electromagnetic pulse resistance, mobile command post
- Timeline: Completion expected by 2036
Reactions and Concerns:
The announcement has sparked some concern. Some interprete it as a sign of heightened global tensions and potential preparation for World War III.
However, the Air Force emphasizes that the SAOC program is a modernization effort to ensure continued national security and replace outdated technology.
