Why The Air Force Is Suddenly Doubling Its ‘Nightwatch’ Doomsday Fleet

The United States Air Force is preparing to expand its Nightwatch fleet as it replaced a set of four E-4B aircraft with the new E-4C Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC). Recent reports have indicated that Offutt Air Force Base construction planning slides show room for six to eight E-3Cs, a significant increase from today’s four E-4B models. The aircraft is used primarily during times of emergency, typically for high-ranking government officials.