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See inside the E-4B 'Nightwatch,' nicknamed the 'doomsday plane' for its ability to help US presidents survive nuclear war
See inside the E-4B 'Nightwatch,' nicknamed the 'doomsday plane' for its ability to help US presidents survive nuclear war
Talia LakritzNov 16, 2024, 21:15 IST
<p class="ingestion featured-caption">The E-4B "Nightwatch" is also known as the "doomsday plane."Justin Oakes/US Air Force</p><ul class="summary-list"><li>The E-4B "Nightwatch" is nicknamed the "doomsday plane" because it can survive a nuclear attack.</li><li>In the event of nuclear war, it would serve as the US military's command and control center.</li></ul><p><a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/air-force-one-photos-through-history-2021-8">Air Force One</a>, the US president's aircraft, is known as the "<a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/air-force-one-retired-plane-tour-2024-11">flying Oval Office</a>" for its ability to function as a state-of-the-art workspace for the commander in chief.</p><p>There's another lesser-known presidential plane that can operate as a "flying war room": the E-4B "Nightwatch."</p><p>Nicknamed the "<a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/bidens-doomsday-nuclear-war-plane-spotted-flying-over-wales-2023-4">doomsday plane</a>" for its ability to survive a nuclear blast, the E-4B is designed to protect the president and other senior officials and function as a military command center in worst-case scenarios. It also transports the Secretary of Defense on international trips.</p><p>Many of the E-4B's features are classified, but the US Air Force has shared some glimpses into its capabilities. Take a look inside the top-secret aircraft.</p>
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The E-4B "Nightwatch" is a militarized version of a Boeing 747-200.
A US Air Force E-4B "Nightwatch" plane.Fabrizio Gandolfo/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
It costs $159,529 per hour to operate, making it the Air Force's most expensive plane.
An E-4B at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska.US Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jacob Skovo
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A standard crew consists of 60 people with 15 different specialties.
An E-4B simulator training mission.US Strategic Command
The E-4B can refuel while in flight, allowing it to fly for several days at a time.
An E-4B can refuel in flight.U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Codie Trimble
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Its communications technology is kept in a bulge on top of the plane called the ray dome.
An E-4B aircraft on the tarmac at Travis Air Force Base, California, September 11, 2017.US Air Force/Louis Briscese
The plane's main deck features six functional areas.
Then-Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper met with reporters on board an E-4B in 2019.DoD photo by US Army Sgt. Amber I. Smith
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In the briefing room, officials update members of the press and conduct meetings with staff.
Then-Secretary of Defense Ash Carter met with members of the press while traveling to Europe in 2015.Master Sgt. Adrian Cadiz/US Secretary of Defense
Located in the center of the plane, the battle staff room is where officers would gather to strategize in a national emergency.
The battle staff room on board an E-4B.Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo/US Secretary of Defense
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The rest area has 18 crew bunks, while the Secretary of Defense occupies private quarters on international trips.
The private quarters on the E-4B.Lance Cheung/US Air Force photo
The E-4B is staffed and on alert 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
E-4B crew members carry out simulated alert missions.US Air Force photo by Lance Cheung