E-4B "NIGHTWATCH"

The Boeing E-4 is an American jet that acts as a flying command and control center for operations. The flight of the prototype took place in June 1973, and the machine entered service a year later - in 1974. In the E-4B version, the length of the machine is 70.5 meters with a wingspan of 59.7 meters. The drive is provided by four General Electric CF6-50E2 turbofan engines with a thrust of 234 kN each. The maximum speed is estimated at approx. 970 km / h, and the maximum range - at 11,000 kilometers. The Boeing E-4 aircraft were developed in the early 1970s to replace the EC-135 machines, especially the "C" version. The new planes were to play the role of autonomous and as independent as possible flying centers of command and control of operations. In English they are referred to as Advanced Airborne Command Post (abbreviated: AACP). Aircraft of this type were also designed in such a way as to provide the US president (in the event of a nuclear war) with the possibility of firing his own ballistic missiles and the command of strategic troops remaining in the line. It is worth adding that the E-4B was structurally based on the Boeing 747-200 passenger plane, but of course it was significantly modified, especially when it comes to electronic and communication equipment. It is assumed that there are currently four aircraft in the line Boeing E-4 - all B versions