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The E-4B Nightwatch is one of the most secretive and important aircraft in the US Air Force fleet.
Known as the “Doomsday Plane,” it serves as the National Airborne Operations Center (NAOC) and is a key component of the National Military Command System for the President, the Secretary of Defense and the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
It's designed to keep top military and government officials in control during a national emergency like a nuclear war, or natural disasters. Fortunately, it has never come to this. But it's there in the event of any worst-case scenario like an alien invasion or zombie apocalypse.
If ground-based command centres are compromised, this highly survivable secure hub allows officials to execute emergency war orders and coordinate actions by civil authorities.
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The planes are also occasionally used to transport the US secretary of defence on international trips.
But given its high-security role, the Air Force rarely reveals what’s inside the $200,000-an-hour-to-run plane.
Fortunately, for those curious, Hill AFB’s 2D Audiovisual Squadron released two B-Roll videos last year, offering a rare look at both the exterior and interior of the E-4B. In the video, viewers can see the crew members carrying out their daily operations and learn how the aircraft functions.
The main deck is divided into six areas, including a command work area, conference room, briefing room, an operations team work area, communications area and rest area. Interestingly, the aircraft can carry up to 111 people (seated), including a joint-service operations team, Air Force flight crew, maintenance personnel, security staff and communications specialists.
The highly modified, militarised version of the Boeing 747-200 receives, verifies and relays EAM (Emergency Action Messages) to direct military forces.
Unlike modern aircraft with digital glass cockpits, the E-4B features a traditional cockpit, with old-school analogue controls.
This is because the plane is designed to withstand electromagnetic pulses (EMPs) - which could knock out most electronic systems in the event of a nuclear explosion or high-tech attack. So, glass wouldn't be a suitable option.
The E-4B fleet is based at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska, with at least one 'alert' aircraft that's always ready to go at a moment's notice - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The aircrew, security and maintenance are managed by Air Force Global Strike Command, while the NAOC battle staff is provided by US Strategic Command.
CNET reported that there are 'four NAOC planes in the military's fleet, [but] all four are almost never operational at one time.' This is because at least one of the planes is usually being worked on.
