US Air Force awards $13 billion Doomsday plane contract to Sierra Nevada

The Department of the Air Force on Friday said it awarded Sierra Nevada Corp. a $13 billion contract to replace the service’s aging E-4B Nightwatch “doomsday planes” that would fly during a nuclear war.

The company will develop and produce the Survivable Airborne Operations Center, the name for the aircraft that will succeed the E-4B, and is expected to finish the work by July 10, 2036. The Air Force is obligating $59 million in research, development, test and evaluation funds to Sierra Nevada to start work on SAOC right away.

“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,” an Air Force spokesperson said in an email.

The E-4B, known as the National Airborne Operations Center, enables the president to direct forces during catastrophic emergencies. It ensures continuity of command-and-control functions in dire situations. The Air Force’s four E-4s have been flying since the 1970s and are approaching the end of their service lives.

Sierra Nevada Corporation’s winning bid for the Doomsday plane contract underscores its aerospace and defense prowess. It demonstrates its capability in critical technology sectors. The collaboration between the US Air Force and Sierra Nevada Corporation will result in advanced Doomsday planes. These aircraft will feature cutting-edge systems and capabilities.

Moreover, this contract award is expected to generate job opportunities and spur economic growth in the aerospace sector. Consequently, it will bolster the national defense infrastructure.
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