Colorado Springs, Colorado – The Department of the Air Force has recently awarded Sierra Nevada Corp. a $13 billion contract to develop a replacement for the E-4B Nightwatch “doomsday planes.” These planes are vital for flying during a nuclear war, providing a critical link for national security.
Sierra Nevada Corp. will be working on the Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC), the successor to the E-4B, with an expected completion date of July 10, 2036. The Air Force has allocated $59 million for research, development, test, and evaluation to kickstart the project immediately.
The E-4B, known officially as the National Airborne Operations Center, plays a crucial role in allowing the president to command forces in the event of a nuclear war or other catastrophic emergencies that may disrupt ground-based command centers. With the current fleet of E-4s serving since the 1970s, the Air Force recognized the urgent need for an upgrade.
Sierra Nevada’s contract includes the delivery of engineering and manufacturing development aircraft, production aircraft, ground systems, and interim contract support. The company will carry out this work across various locations in Colorado, Nevada, and Ohio.
Utilizing a hardened and modified commercial derivative aircraft, SAOC will incorporate a modular open system approach with modern secure communication and planning capabilities. Ground support systems for SAOC will include trainers for aircrew, mission crew, maintainers, and other essential equipment to ensure operational efficiency.
The contract encompasses various components such as cost-plus-incentive-fee, fixed price incentive, and cost-plus-fixed-fee elements, reflecting the complexity and scope of the project. This development signifies a significant step towards strengthening the Department of the Air Force’s capabilities for nuclear command, control, and communications for years to come.