US Air Force Acquires Former Lufthansa Boeing 747s for 'Doomsday Plane' Fleet Replacement
The United States Air Force has purchased two former Lufthansa Boeing 747-8i aircraft to serve as the next generation of its E-4B Nightwatch fleet. These aircraft, known as the 'Doomsday planes,' are designed to be a Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC) in the event of a national emergency. The current fleet of aging 747-200s is set to be retired. The Sierra Nevada Corporation has been awarded a $13 billion contract to modify these commercial jets for their new critical military role. The 747-8 was chosen for its size, four-engine configuration, and power generation capabilities, with the new fleet expected to be operational by 2036.
Official Source: https://simpleflying.com/why-usaf-snatching-up-lufthansa-boeing-747s/
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