Future 'Doomsday Plane' Fleet Could Include Used 747s

As Boeing winds down production of the iconic 747 jetliner later this year, a USAF official says the service could still use the platform to add to the E-4B fleet.

Kimberly Johnson

Wednesday, May 04, 2022 at 01:47 PM ET

Verified

The U.S. Air Force E-4B Nightwatches are highly modified military versions of Boeing’s 747-200. [Courtesy: U.S. Air Force]

Key Takeaways:

The U.S. Air Force plans to replace its aging E-4B "Doomsday Plane" fleet, which serves as a critical National Airborne Operations Center.
The service is specifically considering purchasing used Boeing 747s to fulfill the requirements for the next-generation Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC).
This strategy addresses the need for a very large, four-engine platform capable of extensive modifications, despite Boeing halting new 747 production soon.
Air Force officials are confident that older aircraft can be stripped down and rebuilt, making used 747s a viable option over new builds or Airbus alternatives.

See a mistake? Contact us.

The U.S. Air Force is considering buying used Boeing 747s as part of its replacement plans for the Boeing E-4B Nightwatch, according to a report.

The E-4B, also known more ominously as the “Doomsday Plane,” is a modified four-engine military version of the Boeing 747-200 and has been described as a flying Pentagon war room. The Air Force maintains a fleet of four of the aircraft, which are officially called the National Airborne Operations Center (NAOC). The aircraft are able to fly for weeks or longer with aerial refueling, and have been retrofitted to be survivable in the event of a nuclear strike.