In the realm of military aviation, two aircraft stand out for their unique roles and capabilities: the E-4B and the E-6B. These planes, often referred to as “Doomsday” planes, are designed to serve as airborne command centers in the event of a major crisis, ensuring continuity of government and military operations.
The E-4B: The Civilian Leadership’s Flying Command Center
The E-4B, operated by the U.S. Air Force, is a robust flying command center designed to support a host of continuity of government functions in the midst of a major crisis. It is equipped to carry the President of the United States and other senior officials, maintaining communications between the National Command Authority (generally the President and Secretary of Defense) and our arsenal of land- and sea-based ballistic missiles, even if the United States has been hit by a nuclear first strike.
The E-6B: The Military’s Airborne National Command Post
The E-6B, on the other hand, is operated by the U.S. Navy and serves as the Airborne National Command Post and “Take Charge and Move Out” platform (ABNCP/TACAMO). Unlike the E-4B, the E-6B has the unique capability to order the launch of nuclear weapons.
The Debate: Combining Capabilities
There is ongoing debate about whether the capabilities of the E-4B and E-6B should be combined, or at least if the nuclear launch functionality should be added to the E-4B. Proponents argue that if a key element of command authority is on the plane, it makes sense to have the physical means of distributing those orders on that plane.
The Future: Modernization and Replacement
As the military considers replacements for the E-4B and E-6B, it is critical to modernize their command and control systems. The eventual replacements for these aircraft may fall under the purview of the NEAT Assessment of Alternatives (AoA), which aims to replace the E-4B, Air Force’s National Airborne Operations Center (NAOC); Executive Airlift, replacing the Vice President’s plane; and the E-6B, the Navy’s ABNCP/TACAMO with one platform.
FAQ
What is the E-4B?
The E-4B is a U.S. Air Force aircraft designed to serve as a flying command center for civilian leadership in the event of a major crisis.
What is the E-6B?
The E-6B is a U.S. Navy aircraft that serves as the Airborne National Command Post and “Take Charge and Move Out” platform (ABNCP/TACAMO). It has the unique capability to order the launch of nuclear weapons.
What is the difference between the E-4B and the E-6B?
While both are designed to serve as airborne command centers, the E-4B is designed to support civilian leadership, while the E-6B is designed for military command. The E-6B also has the unique capability to order the launch of nuclear weapons.
What is the NEAT Assessment of Alternatives (AoA)?
The NEAT AoA is a program that aims to replace the E-4B, Air Force’s National Airborne Operations Center (NAOC); Executive Airlift, replacing the Vice President’s plane; and the E-6B, the Navy’s ABNCP/TACAMO with one platform.
Glossary
Doomsday Planes: Nickname for the E-4B and E-6B aircraft, which are designed to serve as airborne command centers in the event of a major crisis.
National Command Authority (NCA): The ultimate source of lawful military orders, typically the President and Secretary of Defense.
Airborne National Command Post (ABNCP): A military aircraft that serves as a mobile command post in the event of a major crisis or nuclear war.
Take Charge and Move Out (TACAMO): A system designed to maintain communications between the National Command Authority and U.S. nuclear forces in the event of a nuclear war.
NEAT Assessment of Alternatives (AoA): A program that aims to replace the E-4B, Air Force’s National Airborne Operations Center (NAOC); Executive Airlift, replacing the Vice President’s plane; and the E-6B, the Navy’s ABNCP/TACAMO with one platform.
