In a significant move to modernize its nuclear command, control, and communications capabilities, the U.S. Air Force has awarded Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) a staggering $13 billion contract to develop and produce the Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC). This center will be the successor to the aging Boeing E-4B ‘Doomsday’ plane, known as the Nightwatch, which has served as a mobile command post for the President and high-level officials in the event of a nuclear war or serious conflict.
The E-4B fleet, stationed at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska and operated by the 595th Command and Control Group’s 1st Airborne Command and Control Squadron, has been a critical component of the nation’s defense since the 1970s. In an effort to ensure continued national security, the SAOC project will see the delivery of a state-of-the-art airborne command center capable of withstanding electronic and nuclear threats.
According to the Department of Defense, this ambitious project involves the delivery of engineering and manufacturing development aircraft, production aircraft, associated ground systems, and interim contractor support, with an expected completion date of July 10, 2036. The contract includes a blend of cost-plus-incentive-fee, fixed-price incentive, and cost-plus-fixed-fee components, highlighting the complex and multifaceted nature of this modernization endeavor.
An Air Force spokesperson emphasized the importance of this development, stating, “The development of this critical national security weapon system ensures the Department’s Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications capability is operationally relevant and secure for decades to come.”
Interestingly, the contract’s announcement also noted the move towards a commercially derived platform for the new SAOC, which will undergo modifications to meet military requirements. It is expected that the new doomsday planes will be based on existing commercial aircraft – potentially a Boeing model – that SNC will harden against the threats of modern warfare. This innovative approach includes a modular open systems design to enable efficient operations and future modifications throughout the aircraft’s service life.
In addition to ensuring the president’s and other national leaders’ mobility in crisis situations, the SAOC will feature an advanced communications subsystem, networks subsystem, and command and control subsystems, ready to meet the challenges of 21st-century conflict.
The victory for SNC was somewhat unexpected after the surprise elimination of Boeing, the manufacturer of the current E-4B fleet, from the running due to reported disagreements over contract structure and data rights. Despite this setback for Boeing, the Air Force has earmarked $744 million in the FY24 budget for the SAOC program, with a request for approximately $1.7 billion under the Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation budget for FY24.
This development signifies a major leap forward in strengthening America’s national security and its ability to navigate the complexities of modern warfare. It also represents a notable achievement for Sierra Nevada Corporation, significantly expanding its footprint in the defense sector and potentially involving the creation of jobs across multiple states where the work on the SAOC will be carried out.
Relevant articles:
– The Air Force awarded a $13B contract for its new Doomsday plane, Yahoo News
– Air Force awards SNC $13B contract for new ‘Doomsday’ plane, Breaking Defense
– Sierra Nevada lands $13B Air Force ‘doomsday plane’ contract, Dayton Daily News
– Sierra Nevada wins $13B contract to build Air Force ‘doomsday plane’, Defense News