E-4B AACP at RAF Fairford
This year's Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) saw the remarkable and first time visit of the Boeing E-4B Advanced Airborne Command Post (AACP), the current "Nightwatch" aircraft.
The E-4B, serial 73-1676, arrived on 15 July 2022 at RAF Fairford after a direct flight from its temporary base at Lincoln Municipal Airport (NE). It departed RAF Fairford to Souda air base (Greece) via RAF Mildenhall and Aviano Air Base (Italy) on 18 July. On 19 July it repositioned to NAS Rota (Spain) before returning the next day to Lincoln Municipal Airport.
The E-4B is a critical component of the National Military Command System for the US President, the Secretary of Defense and the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS). In case of national emergency or destruction of ground command and control centres, the aircraft provides a highly survivable command, control, and communications centre to direct US forces. In addition to this mission, the E-4B supports the Federal Emergency Management Agency and provides communications and command centre capability to relief efforts following natural disasters, such as hurricanes and earthquakes.
To provide direct support to the President, the Secretary of Defense, and the JCS, at least one E-4B is always on 24-hour alert, 7-days a week, with a global watch team at one of many selected bases throughout the world.
The E-4B, a militarised version of the Boeing 747-200, is a four-engine, long-range, high-altitude aeroplane capable of refuelling in flight. The main deck is divided into six functional areas: a command work area, conference room, briefing room, an operations team work area, communications area, and rest area. An E-4B may include seating for up to 112 people, including a joint-service operations team, Air Force flight crew, maintenance and security component, communications team and selected augmentees. An advanced satellite communications system provides worldwide communication for senior leaders through the airborne operations centre. The aircraft is protected against electromagnetic pulse effects and has an electrical system designed to support advanced electronics and a wide variety of communications equipment. Other improvements include nuclear and thermal effects shielding, acoustic control, an improved technical control facility and an upgraded air-conditioning system for cooling electrical components.
E-4B operations are directed by the JCS and executed through US Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM). Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) is the Air Force single-resource manager for the E-4B, and provides aircrew, maintenance, security, and communications support. USSTRATCOM also provides personnel for the joint airborne operations centre battle staff.
The E-4B evolved from the E-4A, of which three aircraft were produced, and has been in service 1974. They had no bulge to house equipment on top of fuselage, these three were later converted to E-4B. The first B model was delivered to the USAF in January 1980, and by 1985 all three aircraft were converted to B models. A fourth aircraft, built as an E-4B, was delivered in 1976.
All E-4Bs are assigned to the 1st Airborne Command and Control Squadron (1st ACS), which is part of the 595th Command and Control Group at Offutt Air Force Base (NE). The 595th CCG is aligned under the Eighth Air Force (8th AF) on 1 October 2016.
The 1st ACCS operates the following E-4Bs: 73-1676 (c/n 20682/202), 73-1677 (c/n 20683/204), 74-0787 (c/n 20684/232) and 75-0125 (c/n 20949/257)
Photos by Jean François Auran