Warplanes Offers Boeing E-4 Nightwatch Models

July 5, 2012 - PRLog -- When worse comes to worst and the United States is under a nuclear attack, only one model of airplane can sustain the defense operations of the country. The Boeing E-4 Nightwatch is a specially modified Boeing 747-200 that serves as a survivable command post for the President of the United States and the Secretary of Defense. Officially known as the Advanced Airborne Command Post, the Boeing Nightwatch got its name from Rembrant painting of the same name depicting local town folks protecting their town. The E-4 Nightwatch consisted of four aircraft operated by 1st Airborne Command and Control Squadron located in Offut Air Force Base.

The Nightwatch program began in February 1973, when the United Air Force contacted Boeing for two unequipped aircraft designated as E-4A, powered by P&W JT9D engines. Another aircraft was added on July 1973 and it was powered by the GE F103 engine, which was also later retrofitted for the two earlier aircraft. A fourth aircraft was contracted in December 1973, it features more advanced equipment and has a designation of E-4B. It has a large hump on its dorsal surface that contains the SHF satellite antennae. Eventually, the three previous aircraft were retrofitted into E-4B model. The E-4B has an improved communication capability over the previous model and it is also more fortified against the effects of a nuclear blast. It is designed to survive electromagnetic pulse with all its systems intact and has advanced counter-fire measures. The Boeing E-4 Nightwatch is manned by 48 to 112 crew members. It is divided into three sections – the upper deck, also known as the flight deck where the pilot, co-pilot, navigator and flight engineer’s work stations are located; the middle deck that house the conference rooms, operations team area, technical control area, communications control area among others; meanwhile the lower deck contains the aircraft’s water supply tanks, electrical power panels, transmitters and satellite transmission equipment. The Boeing E-4 Nightwatch has the facilities to allow the president or the secretary of defense to conduct war operations even when ground controls are destroyed during nuclear attacks.

As of now, no aircraft can provide the services that Boeing E-4 Nightwatch can offer and it remains a very vital part of the U.S. Air Force. Owning a E-4B model will definitely enrich your model jet airplanes collection. Warplanes manufactures top of the line aeroplane models that you can proudly display at your home or offices. To view full details, visit http://www.warplanes.com