The US Air Force has awarded a $13 billion contract to Sierra Nevada Corp to build an airplane, reports Reuters.
The US Air Force has awarded a $13 billion contract to Sierra Nevada Corp to develop a successor to the E-4B, known as the "Doomsday" aircraft because of its ability to survive a nuclear war.
The Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC) project is designed to replace the outdated 1970s-era aircraft, which are nearing the end of their service life.
To meet the operational requirements, the weapon system will consist of a commercial jet engine hardened and modified to meet military requirements.
The "Doomsday" aircraft
Typically used to transport the US Secretary of Defense, the Doomsday Aircraft is designed as a mobile command post capable of withstanding nuclear explosions and electromagnetic attacks, allowing US leaders to issue orders to the military in the event of an emergency.
The E-4B is also capable of aerial refueling, and has modern communications equipment, conference and briefing rooms. It is also equipped with weapon control systems that allow it to control air and ground forces.
Currently, the US Air Force operates four E-4B aircraft, and at least one of them is constantly on alert. The aircraft can stay in the air for several days, which allows it to continue to function even in the face of infrastructure destruction.
As RBC-Ukraine previously reported, the US Air Force planned to allocate $889 million in 2024 to continue developing the new SAOC center.
