Washington's CAD 17 billion bet on foreign-sourced "doomsday planes
The program's budget to construct these new "doomsday planes" is an impressive CAD 17 billion. Details were released in early May, and Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) was identified as the contractor. Despite SNC not being an aircraft manufacturer, it is well-versed in modifying aircraft and will secure the necessary planes from Korean Air, a Korean airline.
The disclosed contract specifics don't state the exact number of "doomsday planes" to be built (though up to eight planes are considered likely). However, it is acknowledged that the current fleet of four Boeing E-4B Nightwatch planes is insufficient.
This inadequacy stems from the intention for the new planes, dubbed SAOC (Survivable Airborne Operations Centers), to replace various older models that serve a similar, albeit slightly varied, purpose. These include the Boeing E-6 Mercury flying command posts and the Boeing C-32 planes used by the country's elite, excluding the president.
Duties of the doomsday plane
The "doomsday plane" is tasked with ensuring the uninterrupted command and control of the country in a nuclear war scenario. This comes into play when terrestrial command centers are destroyed or lose their communication abilities; the plane, equipped with the necessary communications gear, is designed to survive the nuclear strike for the nation's leaders.
This role is currently filled by four Boeing E-4B Nightwatch planes, constructed in the 70s based on the Boeing 747 Jumbo Jets. The new initiative to build specialized aircraft also intends to utilize the Jumbo Jet design despite its production having ceased over a year ago. As a result, purchasing pre-used aircraft has emerged as the only viable option.
Why are Americans opting for such a distinctive approach? An essential requirement for the doomsday plane is its four-engine configuration, a specification only met by the now-discontinued Boeing 747.
As a consequence, the "new" doomsday planes will be sourced from South Korea's retired jumbo jets. Currently, information regarding the procurement of at least five Boeing 747-8i planes is available, which Sierra Nevada Corporation plans to acquire from the Korean carrier Korean Air.
