Rolls-Royce has been chosen to supply technology for a new version of the American military aircraft nicknamed the “Doomsday plane” for its ability to survive a nuclear blast.
The engineering giant is joining a group of aerospace companies working on the Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC) project, which aims to develop a successor to the US Air Force’s E-4B planes – militarised versions of the Boeing 747-200 jumbo jet that have been in service since the 1970s.
Normally used to transport the Secretary of Defence, the E-4Bs are also designed to function as a mobile command centre during national emergencies – should ground facilities be knocked out – with the aircraft capable of being refuelled in the air and withstanding nuclear blasts and electromagnetic pulses.
Four of the planes are currently in service and at least one is always kept on alert at a US military base somewhere in the world.
Each one can seat up to 111 people, including the flight crew. In an emergency they are designed to carry the US president, the secretary of defence and the joint military chiefs, with the ability to give orders to American forces across the globe while in flight.
Within the E-4B’s main deck is a command work area, conference room, briefing room, operations team area, communications area and rest area, according to the US Air Force.
In April, the Pentagon awarded a $13bn contract for developing the next generation of Doomsday planes to defence giant Sierra Nevada Corporation.
It is thought that Rolls, known for making engines, has been brought into the project led by Sierra to work on the plane’s propulsion systems.
Adam Riddle, president of defence at Rolls-Royce, said: “For decades, Rolls-Royce has powered military operations around the world with reliable, cutting-edge technologies – safely transporting service members on their missions.
“Now, we are proud to pair our proven pedigree with the collective expertise of Sierra Nevada Corporation and the rest of the SAOC team to ensure our military leaders have the platform to protect our national security when it matters most.”
Jon Piatt, an executive vice president at Sierra Nevada, added: “Sierra Nevada Corporation is very excited to collaborate with Rolls-Royce, putting its vast experience to work on this crucial Air Force mission.
“We are certain that Rolls-Royce will prove a valuable partner in maintaining a strategic edge to protect the country when it matters most.”
The Air Force launched the SAOC programme to replace the E-4B planes as maintaining the ageing Boeing 747-200 jumbos has become harder over time, with parts harder to acquire.
As part of the project, Sierra Nevada has reportedly acquired five Boeing 747-8 passenger jets which it will modify and use as the new aircraft.
The replacements are scheduled for delivery in 2036.
