USAF BOEING E-4B TO APPEAR AT THE RIAT22 STATIC DISPLAY
The organizers of the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) have confirmed that the United States Air Force Global Strike Command Boeing E-4 Advanced Airborne Command Post (AACP), the current "Nightwatch" aircraft will be part of this year’s spectacular static display.
The Boeing E-4 Advanced Airborne Command Post (AACP), the current "Nightwatch" aircraft, is a strategic command and control military aircraft operated by the United States Air Force (USAF). The E-4 series are specially modified from the Boeing 747-200B for the National Emergency Airborne Command Post (NEACP) program. The E-4 serves as a survivable mobile command post for the National Command Authority, namely the President of the United States, the Secretary of Defense, and successors. The four E-4Bs are operated by the 1st Airborne Command and Control Squadron of the 595th Command and Control Group located at Offutt Air Force Base, near Omaha, Nebraska. An E-4B when in action is denoted a "National Airborne Operations Center".
The E-4B is protected against the effects of electromagnetic pulse and has an electrical system designed to support advanced electronics and a wide variety of communications equipment. An advanced satellite communications system provides worldwide communication for senior leaders through the airborne operations centre. Other improvements include nuclear and thermal effects shielding, acoustic control, an improved technical control facility and an upgraded air-conditioning system for cooling electrical components.
To provide direct support to the President, the Secretary of Defense, and the JCS, at least one E-4B NAOC is always on 24-hour alert, 7-days a week, with a global watch team at one of many selected bases throughout the world.
In addition to its national and NC2 mission, the E-4B provides support to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which provides communications and command centre capability to relief efforts following natural disasters, such as hurricanes and earthquakes.
Air Force Global Strike Command is the Air Force single-resource manager for the E-4B and provides aircrew, maintenance, security and communications support. E-4B operations are directed by the JCS and executed through U.S. Strategic Command. USSTRATCOM also provides personnel for the joint airborne operations centre battle staff.
Statement from the organizers;
“Making a very special appearance in our static display to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the USAF is one of just four E-4B aircraft operated by Global Strike Command. The aircraft's role is known as the "Nightwatch" in the USA, but this aircraft is better known as the "Doomsday Plane". The aircraft is designed to provide a constantly airborne National Airborne Operations Center from where the US can run their military and government in the event of war and is hardened against the effects of nuclear blasts.”
