OVERVIEW
The Boeing E-4, covering four converted Boeing 747 aircraft, serves as an airborne government platform in the event of a national emergency.
The Boeing E-4, covering four converted Boeing 747 aircraft, serves as an airborne government platform in the event of a national emergency.
YEAR: 1975
STATUS: Active, In-Service
MANUFACTURER(S): Boeing - USA
PRODUCTION: 4
OPERATORS: United States
SPECIFICATIONS
Unless otherwise noted the presented statistics below pertain to the Boeing E-4B Advanced Airborne Command Post model. Common measurements, and their respective conversions, are shown when possible.
Unless otherwise noted the presented statistics below pertain to the Boeing E-4B Advanced Airborne Command Post model. Common measurements, and their respective conversions, are shown when possible.
CREW: 4
LENGTH: 231.30 feet (70.5 meters)
WIDTH: 195.87 feet (59.7 meters)
HEIGHT: 63.32 feet (19.3 meters)
WEIGHT (EMPTY): 418,878 pounds (190,000 kilograms)
WEIGHT (MTOW): 826,403 pounds (374,850 kilograms)
ENGINE: 4 x General Electric CF6-50E2 turbofan engines developing 52,500 lb of thrust each.
SPEED (MAX): 603 miles-per-hour (970 kilometers-per-hour; 524 knots)
RANGE: 7,140 miles (11,490 kilometers; 6,204 nautical miles)
CEILING: 45,932 feet (14,000 meters; 8.70 miles)
ARMAMENT
None.
None.
VARIANTS
Series Model Variants
• E-4A - Initial Production Models; three examples produced; later brought to E-4B standard.
• E-4B - Fitted with CF6-50E2 engines of 52,500lb thrust each; EMP protection; special shielding from thermal and nuclear sources; additional specialized equipment.
Series Model Variants
• E-4A - Initial Production Models; three examples produced; later brought to E-4B standard.
• E-4B - Fitted with CF6-50E2 engines of 52,500lb thrust each; EMP protection; special shielding from thermal and nuclear sources; additional specialized equipment.
HISTORY
Detailing the development and operational history of the Boeing E-4 Advanced Airborne Command Post National Emergency Airborne Command Post Aircraft. Entry last updated on 10/23/2017. Authored by Staff Writer. Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com.
Detailing the development and operational history of the Boeing E-4 Advanced Airborne Command Post National Emergency Airborne Command Post Aircraft. Entry last updated on 10/23/2017. Authored by Staff Writer. Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com.
Since introduction in 1974, the Boeing E-4 Advanced Airborne Command Post has served the United States Air Force (USAF) in the flying Command and Control (C2) post. There were four total examples produced and these directly succeeded the aging line of EC-135J platforms. The E-4 was developed atop the framework of the Boeing 747-200 commercial airliner and serves with the 595th Command and Control Group out of Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska under the banner of the 1st Airborne Command Control Squadron.
The fleet were born through a 1973 initiative which originally involved two airframes and these came to be known under the designation of "E-4A" (powered by 4 x Pratt & Whitney JT9D series engines). By the end of 1975, a third aircraft was added to the group and this entry was powered by 4 x General Electric GE F103 (CF6) engines. The E-4B variant was a "one-off" conversion aircraft with additional equipment (including a noticeable dorsal spine bulge) and this arrived in the fleet during December of 1979. In 1985, the original three aircraft were revised to the B-model standard and the CF6 engine powered them all. A modernization of the entire fleet was had in 2005 during the post-9/11 period.
The fleet were born through a 1973 initiative which originally involved two airframes and these came to be known under the designation of "E-4A" (powered by 4 x Pratt & Whitney JT9D series engines). By the end of 1975, a third aircraft was added to the group and this entry was powered by 4 x General Electric GE F103 (CF6) engines. The E-4B variant was a "one-off" conversion aircraft with additional equipment (including a noticeable dorsal spine bulge) and this arrived in the fleet during December of 1979. In 1985, the original three aircraft were revised to the B-model standard and the CF6 engine powered them all. A modernization of the entire fleet was had in 2005 during the post-9/11 period.
Boeing E-4 Advanced Airborne Command Post (Cont'd)
National Emergency Airborne Command Post Aircraft
Externally the aircraft closely resembles the Boeing 747 product complete with its two-story frontal section, four-engined layout, and single tail fin. A series of antenna protrude from the spine of the fuselage showcasing the many systems and sensors the aircraft carries. Internally, the aircraft is arranged as a series of compartments which are used to accomplish various tasks in the event of a national emergency. While the standard operating crew is four (including two pilots), the fuselage can situate over 100 personnel to cover critical functions during a national emergency. The aircraft is fully-equipped with advanced systems as well as countermeasures and other protective means (including EMP resistance and nuclear shielding). An in-flight refueling capability extends the range of the E-4 command post considerably over the previous EC-135J platforms they replaced.
At least one E-4 is held "on-call" at any given time and regularly deploys with the President of the United States when overseas trips are on the schedule. When the President is aboard an E-4, the aircraft uses the callsign of "Air Force One".
The Northrop Grumman E-10 MC2A, built upon the framework of the Boeing 767-400ER - was intended as the direct successor to the E-4 but the project was cancelled in 2007.
At least one E-4 is held "on-call" at any given time and regularly deploys with the President of the United States when overseas trips are on the schedule. When the President is aboard an E-4, the aircraft uses the callsign of "Air Force One".
The Northrop Grumman E-10 MC2A, built upon the framework of the Boeing 767-400ER - was intended as the direct successor to the E-4 but the project was cancelled in 2007.
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Our Data Modules allow for quick visual reference when comparing a single entry against contemporary designs. Areas covered include general ratings, speed assessments, and relative ranges based on distances between major cities.
Relative Maximum Speed Rating
Hi: 750mph
Lo: 375mph
This entry's maximum listed speed (603mph).
Graph average of 562.5 miles-per-hour.
City-to-City Ranges
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Graph showcases the Boeing E-4B Advanced Airborne Command Post's operational range (on internal fuel) when compared to distances between major cities.
Aviation Era
Useful in showcasing the era cross-over of particular aircraft/aerospace designs.
Unit Production Comparison
Comm. Market HI*: 44,000 units
Military Market HI**: 36,183 units
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Altitude Visualization
In the Cockpit...
