By Dean Murray via SWNS
Fears that America is prepping for WWIII have been heightened after an announcement President Biden has ordered new “doomsday” planes.
A $13 billion contract will see Colorado company Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) deliver replacements for the E-4B Nightwatch, an airborne command center for the U.S. President that can survive nuclear war.
The U.S. Air Force says the aircraft would be used in times of destruction by an enemy of ground command and control centers.
The current E-4 platforms were built in the 1970s and are reaching the end of their operational lifespans.
SNC said on Sunday (28 April): “SNC is building the airborne command center of the future! SAOC is a highly specialized aircraft that ensures continued critical command, control and communication during national emergencies for POTUS, SECDEF and CJCS. We’re honored to support this important mission.”
The U.S. Department of Defense confirmed in an announcement Friday that SNC was awarded the contract for the Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC).
They added that work will be performed in Englewood, Colorado; Sparks, Nevada; Beavercreek, Ohio; and Vandalia, Ohio, and is expected to be completed by July 10, 2036.
The Air Force said in the FY2024 budget request that SAOC will provide “a worldwide, survivable, and enduring node of the National Military Command System (NMCS) to fulfill national security requirements throughout all stages of conflict.”
It added: “As a command, control and communications center directing US forces, executing emergency war orders and coordinating the activities of civil authorities including national contingency plans, this capability ensures continuity of operations and continuity of government as required in a national emergency or after negation/destruction of ground command and control centers.
“SAOC will fulfill the requirements of the AF Nuclear Mission by providing Nuclear Command, Control and Communications (NC3) capabilities to enable the exercise of authority and direction by the President to command and control US military nuclear weapons operations.”
The E-4 series have previously been specially modified Boeing 747-200B aircraft, however Boeing confirmed in December 2023 it was no longer competing for the SAOC contract. SNC have not revealed what airframe they will use for their doomsday planes.
