Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) has accepted the fourth Boeing 747-8i airliner to be converted into the US Air Force’s E-4C Doomsday system in Dayton, Ohio.
Work at the company’s Aviation Innovation and Technology Center (AITC) covers up to five aircraft that will all be used as Survivable Airborne Operations Centers (SAOC), a fleet responsible for command, control, and communication between the highest US officials in case of national emergencies or a nuclear war.
The $13-billion program will eventually replace the air force’s existing E-4B Nightwatch, a militarized version of the Boeing 747-200, that has been employed for the same purpose since 1980.
We’re excited to announce arrival of the 4th SAOC 747-8i aircraft at our Aviation Innovation and Technology Center in Dayton, Ohio – as we celebrate one year since this historic contract award. #TeamSNC #TeamSAOC
Learn more: https://t.co/vRyGUobNGx. pic.twitter.com/aqAFB8CrLi
— Sierra Nevada Corporation (@SierraNevCorp) April 30, 2025
It was reported that all five Boeing 747-8is will be sourced from South Korea, with the manufacturing schedule to run until 2036.
“For the past year, SNC has been committed to excellence and innovation in our execution of SAOC, and the arrival of the fourth SAOC aircraft to SNC’s AITC marks a significant milestone in our journey,” SNC ISR, Aviation & Security Executive Vice President Jon Piatt stated.
“This achievement is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our entire team, and it underscores our unwavering commitment to advancing key national security needs.”
Program on Schedule
SNC received the contract to develop the Doomsday planes in April 2024. Six weeks later, the company took delivery of the first 747-8i for modification.
In October 2024, SNC announced the expansion of its AITC hangars to support the production of the future Doomsday fleet. The facilities will be increased in the coming months to further optimize work for the program.
“Our team is thoroughly focused on these major objectives while remaining vigilant to ensure we continue to reduce risk and find ways to accelerate critical defense capabilities,” Piatt said.
“The progress we have made in just one year is a clear indication of our commitment to meeting and exceeding our customer’s expectations while preserving SAOC cost and schedule.”
The Boeing 747-8i Aircraft
The US Air Force Doomsday’s base 747-8i airframe measures 250 feet (76 meters) in length and has a wingspan of 225 feet (69 meters).
It has a maximum payload capacity of 167,700 pounds (76,067 kilograms) and can accommodate more than 400 people.
The airliner has four General Electric GEnx engines, a Pratt & Whitney PW901A/C auxiliary power unit, and a fuel capacity of over 63,000 gallons (238,481 liters).
The 747-8i has an operational altitude of 43,000 feet (13,106 meters), a speed of 490 knots (564 miles/907 kilometers per hour), and a range of 7,700 nautical miles (8,861 miles/14,260 kilometers).
