Korean Air aircraft to become US air force’s ‘doomsday planes’: What are they, and why does America need them?

Sierra Nevada Corporation has acquired five Boeing 747 passenger jets previously operated by Korean Air. These jets are intended to replace the United States Air Force’s (USAF) existing fleet of strategic command and control military aircraft, better known as “doomsday planes”.

We take a look at the features and capabilities of doomsday planes are and what their future in the US looks like.
What are doomsday planes

“Doomsday planes” are aircraft specifically designed to ensure continuity of government and military operations during extreme crises, including the event of a nuclear war. These planes are airborne command centres that maintain communication and control when ground facilities are unavailable or destroyed. The term typically refers to the E-4B Nightwatch aircraft, part of the US National Airborne Operations Center (NAOC).

The USAF has initiated a significant upgrade of its ageing fleet of E-4B aircraft. With the existing planes nearing the end of their operational life, Sierra Nevada Corporation was awarded a $13 billion contract to develop the next generation of these airborne command posts, dubbed the Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC). This contract signifies a major overhaul aimed at enhancing the capabilities and extending the lifespan of these critical assets.

Features and capabilities

The doomsday planes are known for their robust design, which includes:

2. EMP protection: Ensuring electronic equipment remains operational after a nuclear explosion’s EMP.

3. Mid-air Refueling Capability: This allows the plane to stay airborne for prolonged periods without needing to land for fuel.

4. Advanced communications: Secure lines that can access military and civilian networks, ensuring command continuity.

5. Technological sophistication: Equipped with ultra-high frequency, very high frequency, satellite communications, and even secure internet connections, these systems are shielded against interference and designed to function post-nuclear events.

6. Design and durability: The airframe and electrical systems are hardened to withstand EMPs, with thermal and radiation shielding to protect against nuclear fallout and heat.

7. Operational readiness: These aircraft are maintained in a state of constant readiness, with at least one always on 24-hour alert. This readiness allows them to be in the air within minutes of receiving a command, ensuring that a mobile command centre is always available should ground-based operations be compromised.

8. Mobility advantage: The strategic mobility provided by the doomsday planes extends beyond just their airborne capabilities. Capable of refuelling mid-air, they can remain airborne for days if necessary. This feature allows the aircraft to move the nation’s command and control capabilities to different locations around the globe.

The role of the E-4B and future SAOC

The E-4B, developed during the Cold War, is a modified Boeing 747-200B designed to withstand nuclear explosions and electromagnetic pulses (EMP). Its primary role is to serve as a mobile command centre for the highest levels of US leadership, including the President and the Secretary of Defense.

The aircraft has advanced communication systems, allowing for global uninterrupted command and control of US military forces.

This plane can act as a flying Pentagon in emergencies, ensuring that national leadership can operate effectively even if traditional command centres are incapacitated. At least one E-4B is always kept on high alert, ready to launch at a moment’s notice.

The shift to Boeing 747-8s

The transition to using Boeing 747-8s involves purchasing aircraft formerly operated by Korean Air. These newer models will replace the older 747-200B frames, offering more advanced technology, better fuel efficiency, and increased capacity. The new planes, once modified, will provide a modern platform capable of adapting to future technological advancements, keeping the US at the forefront of military command and control capabilities.

The SAOC’s design will incorporate modular technology, allowing for rapid updates and integration of new systems as they become available. This modular approach ensures the planes can evolve with changing military needs and technological landscapes, maintaining operational relevance.

With inputs from agencies