"Doomsday Plane" - US Plans to Create a New Air Fleet
The US Air Force is planning to create a new aviation fleet of "Doomsday Plane" capable of protecting the crew and passengers from a nuclear bomb explosion.
This was reported by Reuters.
It is noted that the agreement for the construction of "Doomsday plane" is expected to be signed in 2024. It is anticipated that $889 million will be spent on the development of the "Doomsday Plane" in the fiscal year 2024. In total, $8.3 billion will be allocated for the program by 2028.
According to the newspaper, the only company currently bidding for the government contract to build such airborne vessels is the private defense contractor Sierra Nevada Corp.
Earlier, Boeing was among the potential contractors. However, the United States Air Force excluded the company from the competition for the development of the next generation of "Doomsday planes."
According to sources familiar with the situation, this happened after the US Air Force and the aircraft manufacturer failed to agree on the contract terms because Boeing refused to sign a fixed-price deal that locks it into paying for costs above an agreed limit.
It is worth noting that the United States currently uses the E-4B Nightwatch aircraft as a "Doomsday plane." However, this model is considered outdated, as it was introduced into service in the 1970s, and its service life expires in 2030.
The E-4B Nightwatch is used to transport the US Secretary of Defense, and the aircraft was designed as a mobile command post. It is believed that the plane can withstand a nuclear explosion and resist electromagnetic pulses. With timely refueling, the aircraft can stay airborne for one week.
As of 2023, the US Air Force has four E-4B aircraft in its inventory. However, only one of them is in constant combat readiness.
In related news, it was previously revealed that NATO plans to acquire six Boeing E-7A Wedgetail reconnaissance aircraft. The primary task of these aircraft is to patrol and provide early warning of unforeseen threats. The plane can detect enemy aircraft, missiles, and ships over long distances.
It is expected that the production of new aircraft will begin in the coming years, and the first units will be ready for operation in 2031.