Air Force asks industry for feedback on consolidated airborne command center

The Air Force this week issued a request for information to gather ideas of how industry could combine three legacy nuclear command, control and communications and transport aircraft into one cost-effective platform.

Defense Department officials believe that as part of recapitalizing the E-4B National Airborne Operations Center, E-6B Airborne Command Post and Take Charge and Move Out, and C-32A Air Force Two executive-airlift planes -- together dubbed "NEAT" -- the military should try to align those missions and host them on the same platform. Each system is now a modified Boeing airliner.

"The DOD is conducting an analysis of alternatives that will examine potential synergies in acquiring common platforms that do not sacrifice operational effectiveness or increase the overall cost to the department," according to the July 31 Air Force RFI. "The DOD is looking for innovative industry solutions to accomplish the missions performed by the E-4B, E-6B and C-32A in a more effective and efficient fashion . . . at the best mix of cost, schedule, and performance."

The Air Force asks companies for their recommendations of ways to host the NEAT system, the maturity of their solutions and when they could be fielded, as well as for sustainment and training options. The service also wants industry to weigh in on the pros and cons of using common airframes and wants to know what technologies the government should invest in to avoid future risks.

Inside Defense reported in April that the AOA will consider manned, commercial-derivative and military aircraft of various sizes and with two or four engines. The Air Force's fiscal year 2019 budget documents noted a consolidated airborne command center would be known as the Survivable Airborne Operations Center, or SAOC.

White papers are due Aug. 30, according to the RFI. The AOA is slated to last through fiscal year 2019.