The United States’ “Doomsday Plane,” a modified Boeing 747-200 known as the E-4B, is designed to serve as a mobile command center in the event of a nuclear war or national emergency. Operated by the U.S. Air Force, it remains on standby 24/7, ready to take off at a moment’s notice. Outfitted with advanced radar, surveillance technology, and nuclear shielding, the aircraft ensures the safety of senior military officials and the President during crises.
While the E-4B can fly non-stop for a week with mid-air refueling, it is also equipped to withstand the impact of a nuclear blast. Despite its ominous nickname, the plane is occasionally used for transporting government officials overseas, which means spotting it in the sky doesn’t always signify an impending disaster.
Each hour of operation costs $159,529, making it the Air Force’s most expensive aircraft to maintain. The four E-4Bs are based at a strategic Air Force facility in Nebraska and are an integral part of the National Airborne Operations Center. These planes provide a chilling reminder of the potential for nuclear conflict and the preparations necessary to maintain national security
