The Boeing E-4 Advanced Airborne Command Post (AACP), the current "Nightwatch" aircraft, [2] is a series of strategic command and control military aircraft operated by the United States Air Force (USAF). The E-4 series are specially modified from the Boeing 747-200B for the National Emergency Airborne Command Post (NEACP) program. [3]

The E-4B is a militarized version of the Boeing 747-200, consisting of four engines, a swept-wing design, and capable of long-range, high-altitude operations and in-flight air refueling. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Codie Trimble)

Apr 14, 2024 · Serving as a current “Nightwatch,” the aircraft is nicknamed the “Doomsday Plane.” Its extraordinary capabilities and mission readiness make the E-4 B aircraft an ideal choice for airborne command and control missions. This article highlights the unique facts and capabilities of the E-4B aircraft.

The E-4C Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC) is a United States Air Force program to develop a replacement for the E-4B National Airborne Operations Center (NAOC), a strategic command-and-control military aircraft used as a mobile command post for the National Command Authority in emergency situations.

Mar 7, 2024 · When a select team of aircrew, mission system operators, and maintainers from the 595th Command and Control Group (595th C2G) are combined with a highly specialized joint battle staff and an elite Raven security detail, the E-4B transforms into the National Airborne Operations Center (NAOC).

The E-4B serves as the National Airborne Operations Center for the president, secretary of defense and the Joint Chiefs of Staff. In response to an emergency, the aircraft can provide a highly survivable, command, control and communications center to direct U.S. forces, execute emergency war orders and coordinate actions by civil authorities.

Currently four aircraft (all E-4Bs) remain in service with the US Air Force. They are assigned to the 1st ACCS, 55th wing based at Offutt, Nebraska.

Dec 12, 2024 · As we have already reported, 0n Apr. 26, 2024, Sierra Nevada Corporation secured a $13 billion contract from the U.S. Air Force to develop the replacement for the E-4B Nightwatch, a highly...

Apr 6, 2025 · All E-4B aircraft are assigned to the 595th Command and Control Group at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. The 595th C2G aligned under Eighth Air Force Oct. 1, 2016. How Often Does the Doomsday Plane Fly? The E-4B operates under the highest alert at all times. At least one E-4B aircraft is always on standby 24/7, ready to deploy at a moment's ...

Feb 18, 2021 · Page details technical specifications, development, and operational history of the Boeing E-4 Advanced Airborne Command Post National Emergency Airborne Command Post Aircraft including pictures.