E-4B

Mission
The E-4B serves as the National Airborne Operations Center for the National Command Authorities. In case of national emergency or destruction of ground command centers, the aircraft provides a modern, highly survivable, command, control, and communications center to direct U.S. forces, execute emergency war orders, and coordinate actions by civil authorities.

Characteristics
Primary Function: Airborne operations center
Builder: Boeing Aerospace Co.
Power Plant: Four General Electric CF6-50E2 turbofan engines
Thrust: 52,500 pounds, each engine
Length: 231 feet, 4 inches (70.5 meters)
Height: 63 feet, 5 inches (19.3 meters)
Wingspan: 195 feet, 8 inches (59.7 meters)
Speed: Optimum cruise 360 miles per hour (Mach 0.48)
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 347,000 pounds (156,150 kilograms)
Ceiling: Above 30,000 feet (9,091 meters)
Endurance: 12 hours (unrefueled)
Crew: Up to 114
Date Deployed: January 1980
Unit Cost: Approximately $270 million
Inventory: Active force = 4; ANG = 0; Reserve = 0

 

ALL INFORMATION IS FROM THE U.S. AIR FORCE WEBSITE