Air Force open to used aircraft for E-4B NAOC replacement

The Air Force is willing to consider buying used commercial derivative aircraft for its replacement to the E-4B National Airborne Operations Center, according to a Dec. 18 industry notice.

While the Survivable Airborne Operations Center program was previously only interested in new aircraft, the notice states, "Updated capability needs and operational requirements have potentially altered the viable technical solutions."

The Air Force is continuing to pursue an open and full acquisition strategy for the entire system and anticipates acquiring two to four modified aircraft, ground equipment and the weapon design.

The aging NAOC fleet consists of four aircraft derived from Boeing's 747-200 jet and serves as an emergency command-and-control system for the president. The new SAOC is expected to have modern communications, networks and advanced C2 subsystems.