Boeing E-4 Advanced Airborne Command Post

History of Boeing E-4 Advanced Airborne Command Post

The Boeing E-4 Advanced Airborne Command Post (AACP) has served the United States Air Force (USAF) in the Airborne Command and Control (C2) role since its introduction in 1974-1975. The service selected four aircraft based on need, which were used to fill the same role directly following the aging fleet of EC-135J platforms.

Developed on the existing (and proven) framework of the Boeing 747-200 airliner, the E-4 is assigned to the 595th Command and Control Group at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, under the 1 Airborne Command and Control Squadron.

The fleet was born through a 1973 USAF initiative that initially called for two aircraft, designated "E-4A", powered by 4 Pratt & Whitney JT9D engines simultaneously. A third aircraft joined the group in late 1975, and this new aircraft was powered by four General Electric GE F103 (CF6) engines. The "E-4B" variant was a "one-off" retrofit aircraft with additional equipment (including a prominent dorsal bulge), which was added to the fleet in December 1979.

In 1985, the original three aircraft were modified to B-type operating standard and CF6 engines were selected to power them. In 2005, the entire fleet was modernized after 9/11 and the start of the global "war on terror".

Externally, the aircraft retains much of the shape of the Boeing 747, including a two-tiered forward fuselage section, a four-engine (underwing, nacelle) layout and a single tail. A series of antennas protrude from the spine of the fuselage, revealing many of the systems and sensors the plane carries. Inside, the plane is arranged into a series of compartments for various missions in the event of a national emergency.

While the standard operator is four (including two pilots), the airframe can accommodate up to 112 personnel and specialists to perform critical U.S. Air Force and government functions during a national emergency. The aircraft is equipped with advanced systems, as well as countermeasures and other means of protection (including resistance to electromagnetic pulses and nuclear shielding).

In addition, in-flight refueling facilities could be used to significantly expand the reach of E-4 command posts over the previous EC-135J platforms they replaced.

USAF/U maintains at least one E-4 "on standby" at all times. S. government, and regularly dispatched with the President of the United States when traveling abroad. When the President himself was on an E-4, the plane used the call sign "Air Force One."

The Northrop Grumman E-10 MC2A, built on the Boeing 767-400ER-type frame, was originally intended as a direct successor to the E-4, but the project was canceled in 2007.

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