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E-4B Nightwatch Doomsday Plane

E-4B Nightwatch Doomsday Plane

Manufacturer: Boeing
Category: Bombers & Strategic Aircraft
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Maximum Speed 610 mph
Range 7,000+ miles
Payload Capacity Classified mission systems
Crew Up to 112

Full Specifications

1. General Information

Name	E-4B Nightwatch
Manufacturer	Boeing
Country of Origin	United States
Introduction / In Service Since	1974 / Active
Status	Operational
Category	Strategic Command Aircraft
Crew	Up to 112
Unit Cost	220 to 250 million USD

2. Dimensions & Structure

Length	231 ft
Wingspan	195 ft
Height	63 ft
Wing Area	5,500 sq ft
Empty Weight	370,000 lb
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW)	833,000 lb

3. Performance

Maximum Speed	610 mph
Range	7,000+ miles
Combat Radius	Global
Service Ceiling	45,100 ft
Rate of Climb	2,000 ft per min

4. Powerplant

Engine Type	4x GE CF6 turbofans
Thrust (per engine)	52,500 lbf
Total Thrust	210,000 lbf

5. Payload & Armament

Internal Payload Capacity	Classified
Weapons Bay	None
Compatible Weapons	None
Hardpoints	None

6. Avionics & Systems

Radar System	Multi mode surveillance radar
Navigation	INS, GPS
Electronic Warfare (EW)	Extensive ECM and EMP hardening
Stealth Features	None

7. Operational History

Primary Operator	US Air Force
Conflict Usage	Cold War, Global Crisis Operations
Notable Missions	Presidential continuity operations

8. Additional Information

Variants	E-4A, E-4B
Successor / Future Replacement	Survivable Airborne Operations Center
Notable Features	EMP hardening, global comms
Estimated Operational Life	2030s

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

Stealth Capability 8 / 10
Payload Capacity 8 / 10
Range & Endurance 8 / 10
Electronic Warfare 8 / 10
Maintenance Efficiency 8 / 10

PROS

Designed to survive nuclear and EMP environments
Global communication with all US nuclear forces
Long endurance with aerial refueling
Large crew capacity for senior leadership
Proven operational reliability

CONS

Aging airframe based on older 747 design
High operating and maintenance costs
Limited fleet size
Not stealthy or fast
Requires extensive support infrastructure

The E-4B Nightwatch, often called the doomsday plane, is one of the most critical aircraft in the US military inventory. It serves as the National Airborne Operations Center, designed to keep US command authority alive during nuclear war, major attacks, or national emergencies. When ground command centers are threatened or destroyed, the E-4B becomes the flying nerve center of American strategic forces.

Built to survive extreme conditions, the aircraft is hardened against nuclear effects, electromagnetic pulses, and cyber threats. It can operate for days with aerial refueling and maintain constant contact with US nuclear forces worldwide.

Manufacturer

The E-4B is manufactured by Boeing, based on the Boeing 747-200 airframe. The aircraft was developed during the Cold War to ensure continuity of government and military command.

Speed and Range

The E-4B has a maximum speed of about 610 mph and an unrefueled range exceeding 7,000 miles. With aerial refueling, it can remain airborne for extended periods, supporting long duration missions across the globe.

E-4B Nightwatch Doomsday Plane Price

The estimated unit cost of the E-4B Nightwatch is between 220 and 250 million dollars, excluding decades of upgrades, maintenance, and mission systems.

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