USA Initiates Testing of Advanced Boeing E4-C 'Doomsday' Aircraft

The United States military is moving forward with the modernization of its fleet of 'Doomsday' aircraft, as the Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) has commenced initial test flights of the Boeing E4-C. This new aircraft is set to replace the older E4-B models, which have been in service for over five decades.

The current E4-B Nightwatch, based on the Boeing 747-200 passenger jet, serves as a mobile command center designed to ensure the continuity of military leadership and nuclear operations in the event of a nuclear conflict. These aircraft are critical for maintaining command and control when ground-based facilities may be compromised.

The E4-B fleet, comprising four aircraft dating back to the 1970s, has undergone numerous upgrades but is increasingly seen as outdated. The new E4-C aircraft will utilize the Boeing 747-8, a more modern and extended version of the passenger jet, which was produced by Boeing until 2023.

Due to discrepancies with the U.S. Air Force, Boeing did not proceed with the military modification contract, leaving SNC as the sole contractor for the $13 billion project. Although the Pentagon has not disclosed the exact number of aircraft to be converted, it is anticipated that the new fleet will also consist of four E4-C aircraft.

SNC has acquired four passenger-configured 747-8 jets and is additionally repurposing five used aircraft from Korean Air for spare parts. The E4-C will be outfitted with new GE Aerospace GEnx-2B engines, which promise improved performance and reliability compared to the original engines.

Initial test flights began on August 7, with SNC focusing on identifying and mitigating technical risks while validating necessary modifications for a solid operational foundation. Further flight tests are planned through 2026, alongside ground tests at facilities in Dayton, Ohio, and Wichita, Kansas. Should the conversions and testing yield positive results, full-scale production of the E4-C is expected to continue, with the aim of completing all deliveries by 2036.

This upgrade to the E4-C is crucial for integrating the aircraft into the evolving U.S. nuclear command and control network (NC3), which encompasses a range of modern communication systems, satellites, ground stations, submarines, bombers, and airborne command posts.

In addition to its modernized design, the E4-C will offer enhanced operational capabilities, including greater range and increased payload capacity, allowing for more personnel, equipment, and advanced communication systems to be accommodated.