Take a look inside the E-4B ‘Nightwatch’, nicknamed the ‘doomsday plane’ for its ability to help US presidents survive nuclear war

• The E-4B “Night Watch” is also called the “doomsday plane” because it can survive a nuclear attack.

• In the event of a nuclear war, it would serve as the command and control center of the US military.

• It is the most expensive aircraft in the US Air Force at $159,529 per hour.

Air Force One, the US president’s plane, is known as the ‘flying Oval Office’ for its ability to function as a state-of-the-art workspace for the commander in chief.

There is another lesser-known presidential aircraft that can act as a ‘flying war room’: the E-4B ‘Nightwatch’.

The E-4B, nicknamed the “doomsday plane” for its ability to survive a nuclear explosion, is designed to protect the president and other high-ranking officials and, in a worst-case scenario, function as a military command center. It also transports the Secretary of Defense on international trips.

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 plane.

The E-4B “Nightwatch” is a militarized version of a Boeing 747-200.

The U.S. Air Force’s fleet of four E-4Bs includes the National Airborne Operations Center at Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, Nebraska.

It costs $159,529 per hour to operate, making it the Air Force’s most expensive aircraft.

According to the U.S. Air Force, each E-4B costs $223.2 million to build.

A standard crew consists of 60 people with 15 different specialties.

The Air Force debuted a $9.5 million E-4B simulator in 2022 to train pilots, flight engineers and other crew members to fly the aircraft, according to the U.S. Strategic Command.

The E-4B can refuel in flight, allowing it to fly for several days at a time.

The E-4B can fly for 12 hours straight without refueling.

The communications technology is located in a bulge on top of the aircraft, the so-called jet dome.

The E-4B has more communications capabilities than Air Force One with approximately 67 satellite dishes and antennas in the radome.

The aircraft’s exterior also features thermal and nuclear shielding, and the electrical system is resistant to electromagnetic pulses.

The main deck of the aircraft has six functional areas.

The layout includes a command room, a conference room, a briefing room, a work area for the operations team, a communications room and a rest room, the U.S. Air Force said.

The aircraft can accommodate up to 112 people.

In the briefing room, officials brief the press and conduct meetings with staff.

The E-4B is not just another ‘doomsday’ aircraft. The Minister of Defense occasionally uses it to travel abroad and hold press conferences.

The combat staff room, located in the center of the aircraft, is where officers gather to strategize in the event of a national emergency.

In the event of a nuclear attack or other apocalyptic scenario, the President, Secretary of Defense and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff would use the aircraft as a secure command and control center similar to the Pentagon.

The rest area has 18 berths for the crew, while the Secretary of Defense occupies private quarters during international trips.

The private quarters of the Minister of Defense are furnished with a bunk bed and a desk with chairs.

The E-4B is manned and alert 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

At least one E-4B has been on constant alert since 1975, ready to deploy at a moment’s notice.

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