Boeing E-4B Nightwatch

Boeing E-4B Nightwatch Latest News

Amid the high geopolitical tensions, Boeing E-4B Nightwatch, better known as the US military’s “Doomsday Plane,” made a rare appearance in Los Angeles, sparking panic.

About Boeing E-4B Nightwatch

• The Boeing E-4B Nightwatch, widely known as the “Doomsday Plane”, is the most secretive aircraft in the US military’s arsenal.
• It serves as the National Airborne Operations Center and functions as a flying command post. 
• It is designed to keep the US government operational during extreme scenarios such as nuclear war, catastrophic attacks on US soil, or the destruction of ground-based command centres.
• Its mission is to ensure the US government can continue to function even if “doomsday” arrives.
• It is a core component of the military’s Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications system, often referred to as NC3, which enables senior leaders to authorize and manage nuclear forces under all conditions.
• There are currently four E-4Bs in service. At least one aircraft is kept on continuous alert at all times.
• The E-4B has been activated in a real emergency only once, in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 attacks, when it was used to ensure continuity of government. 

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Boeing E-4B Nightwatch Features

• It is built on a heavily modified Boeing 747-200 airframe.
• Each E-4B has a maximum takeoff weight of around 360,000 kilograms, an unrefuelled endurance of roughly 12 hours, and an operating ceiling above 30,000 feet (about 9,091 metres). 
• The aircraft is hardened against electromagnetic pulse effects, shielded against nuclear and thermal radiation, and equipped with multiple layers of secure communications.
• It can carry up to 111 personnel, including senior command staff, intelligence teams, and communications specialists. 
• The main deck is divided into six functional areas, including command workspaces, conference and briefing rooms, an operations floor, communications hubs, and rest areas. 
• The aircraft can remain airborne for extended periods using in-flight refuelling, allowing national leadership to operate independently of ground infrastructure.

Source: ET