E-6B Mercury Doomsday Plane

Full Specifications

E-6B Mercury Nuclear Command Aircraft

The E-6B Mercury is one of the most critical aircraft in the United States military. Often called the doomsday plane, it serves as an airborne command post designed to operate during a nuclear crisis. Its core mission is simple but extreme, keep the President and national leadership connected to US nuclear forces under any conditions, including nuclear war.

Operated by the US Navy, the E-6B ensures command and control of ballistic missile submarines and land based nuclear missiles. Even if ground command centers are destroyed, the aircraft can still transmit launch orders, making it a key pillar of nuclear deterrence.

Manufacturer

The E-6B Mercury is built by Boeing and is based on the Boeing 707 airframe. It was developed in the United States and entered service in the late Cold War era. The aircraft replaced earlier command and relay platforms and continues to receive upgrades to stay operational in modern threat environments.

Speed and Range

The E-6B has a maximum speed of about 590 mph and a range of roughly 7,000 miles. With aerial refueling, it can remain airborne for extended periods, allowing near continuous global coverage. Its long trailing wire antenna enables very low frequency communication with submerged submarines.

E-6B Mercury Nuclear Command Aircraft Price

The E-6B Mercury Nuclear Command Aircraft has an estimated unit cost of around 140 million USD, excluding long term upgrades and sustainment. Ongoing modernization programs focus on avionics, communications, and mission systems rather than airframe replacement.