Latest news with #DoomsdayPlane
The Sun
2 hours ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Trump's ‘Doomsday Plane' designed to survive nuclear war touches down near Washington DC as Iran strike looms
DONALD Trump's n uclear-hardened"Doomsday Plane" has touched down near to Washington DC as speculation grows over a strike on Iran. The impervious US Air Force E-4B 'Nightwatch' aircraft landed at Joint Base Andrews under the cover of darkness on Tuesday - hours after Trump's crisis meeting in the White House Situation Room. 9 9 9 Eager aviation followers managed to track the huge Boeing as it went on the move and went on a highly irregular flight path from Barksdale Air Force Base in Shreveport, Louisiana. Its movement has sparked fears that it could be a clear indication of Trump and the US joining the war against Iran. The US government has been urged to join forces with Israel in recent days and bring an end to the Iranian regime in the Middle East. Trump has even directly threatened Tehran's Supreme Leader this week, saying "we know where you're hiding". US officials have stressed no official decision has been made yet about their intervention. But the Nightwatch being moved to just outside of the capital has raised many eyebrows around why it is now so close to the president. The craft took off from Bossier City and traveled along the coast before landing at the airbase in Maryland at 10:01pm. The flight lasted for over four hours with never-before-seen call signs also being noticed by online trackers of ORDER01 instead of the typical ORDER6. The militarized Boeing 747-200 is only used by the White House's top staff and defence forces in case of a major emergency or global crisis. The aircraft has only been called into action once before - on September 11, 2001 during the attack on the Twin Towers. Britain will NEVER be safe until Iran's nuke scheme is crushed…this is our Churchill moment, Israeli ambassador says This is due to it being specially designed to keep the US's most powerful figures safe even in the most deadly conditions. It is designed to withstand electromagnetic pulses and even nuclear and thermal blasts - hence the "Doomsday Plane" nickname. They have been in operation since the 1970s and were long considered the best chance for a Cold War president to survive a nuke. The massive 231ft jet can hold up to 111 crew and passengers on board and features six main areas from a relaxing lounge to a command work area and briefing room. Another key safety feature is that the plane has four engines and is capable of refueling mid flight allowing for over 35 hours in the air. Elsewhere, an advanced satellite communications system allows for worldwide conversations with global senior leaders. An engine can produce 52,500 pounds of thrust from the planes and they can carry up to 800,000 pounds. This weight can be easily distributed across the massive 231ft long craft that also boasts a 195ft wingspan. 9 9 9 Each individual plane is believed to have cost a whopping $223million to make. While it is still unclear why the plane was moved overnight, the aircraft is operational 24/7 to make sure it is always available when needed. Regular training flights are often done throughout the year as well. It follows a week of signs that the US is preparing to blitz Iran with the most notable being a huge US air armada made up of dozens of military jets landing in Europe this week. At least 30 large air-to-air refuellers swooped across the Atlantic followed by at least a dozen F-22 Raptors and F-35 Lightning jets. Experts said the F-22s and F-35s would most likely be used to bolster Israel's air defence amid fears Tel Aviv cold run low in its Iron Dome and interceptor missiles. But there are fears the fighter bombers could also be used to strike targets inside Iran. The USS Nimitz aircraft carrier was also seen steaming towards the Gulf to reinforce the carrier USS Carl Vinson. The US President has already warned the "full strength and might" of the military would be used if America was attacked. Dozens of USAF KC-135 Stratotanker refuelers and KC-46 Pegasus tankers swooped into bases in Prestwick, Scotland, Ramstein, Germany, Moron in Spain and Chania in Crete. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said he had ordered 'the deployment of additional capabilities' to the Middle East amid spiralling fears of World War Three. But he insisted their role was 'defensive'. The Sun's trip on board USS Nimitz By Ryan Parry, Senior Reporter AS America sends the flagship USS Nimitz supercarrier to the Middle East amid rising tensions, the Sun reveals what life is like onboard. The Sun spent two days on board the Nimitz, nicknamed Old Salt, a $4.5billion nuclear-powered supercarrier weighing almost 100,000 tons. The warship is 1,092ft long and 252ft wide and has a four and a half acre flight deck. The massive 117,000 sq ft warship boasts four aircraft catapults and jets are brought up to the deck using four giant elevators from the hangar deep below the 4.5 acre flight deck. The supercarrier, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 11, holds F/A-18 Super Hornets, EA-18G Growlers and F-35C stealth strike fighters. Inside the ten floor, 3,000 room hull underneath the flight deck life is one slick operation. There are several cafeterias, gyms, a Starbucks coffee shop and 'luxury' state rooms for 'Distinguished Visitors'. Since it is nuclear-powered, the Nimitz – call sign NMTZ - can operate for up to 20 years without refueling. The Nimitz is the world's second largest supercarrier, only behind the Gerald R Ford. 9 9
The Irish Sun
2 hours ago
- Politics
- The Irish Sun
Trump's ‘Doomsday Plane' designed to survive nuclear war touches down near Washington DC as Iran strike looms
DONALD Trump's n uclear-hardened "Doomsday Plane" has touched down near to Washington DC as speculation grows over a strike on Iran. The impervious US Air Force E-4B 'Nightwatch' aircraft landed at Joint Base Andrews under the cover of darkness on Tuesday - hours after Trump's crisis meeting in the White House Situation Room. 9 The impervious US Air Force E-4B 'Nightwatch' aircraft has touched down near to Washington DC Credit: Getty 9 An advanced satellite communications system allows for worldwide conversations with global senior leaders Credit: SWNS 9 A fire burns at the Iran State Radio and Television (IRIB) building after it was hit by an Israeli strike Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 9 Eager aviation followers managed to track the huge Boeing as it went on the move and went on a highly irregular flight path from Barksdale Air Force Base in Shreveport, Louisiana. Its movement has sparked fears that it could be a clear indication of Trump and the US joining the war against Iran . The US government has been urged to join forces with Israel in recent days and bring an end to the Iranian regime in the Middle East. Trump has even directly threatened Tehran's Supreme Leader this week, saying "we know where you're hiding". read more in Donald Trump US officials have stressed no official decision has been made yet about their intervention. But the Nightwatch being moved to just outside of the capital has raised many eyebrows around why it is now so close to the president. The craft took off from Bossier City and traveled along the coast before landing at the airbase in Maryland at 10:01pm. The flight lasted for over four hours with never-before-seen call signs also being noticed by online trackers of ORDER01 instead of the typical ORDER6. Most read in The US Sun The militarized Boeing 747-200 is only used by the White House's top staff and defence forces in case of a major emergency or global crisis. The aircraft has only been called into action once before - on September 11, 2001 during the attack on the Twin Towers. Britain will NEVER be safe until Iran's nuke scheme is crushed…this is our Churchill moment, Israeli ambassador says This is due to it being specially designed to keep the US's most powerful figures safe even in the most deadly conditions. It is designed to withstand electromagnetic pulses and even nuclear and thermal blasts - hence the "Doomsday Plane" nickname. They have been in operation since the 1970s and were long considered the best chance for a Cold War president to survive a nuke. The massive 231ft jet can hold up to 111 crew and passengers on board and features six main areas from a relaxing lounge to a command work area and briefing room. Another key safety feature is that the plane has four engines and is capable of refueling mid flight allowing for over 35 hours in the air. Elsewhere, an advanced satellite communications system allows for worldwide conversations with global senior leaders. An engine can produce 52,500 pounds of thrust from the planes and they can carry up to 800,000 pounds. This weight can be easily distributed across the massive 231ft long craft that also boasts a 195ft wingspan. 9 Smoke rises in the direction of Khojir complex as the Israel-Iran air war continues Credit: Reuters 9 A USAF C-17 Globemaster cargo transport plane lands at Prestwick airport as one of many US military aircraft deployed from the US towards Europe and the Middle East Credit: Alamy 9 Trump has already sent threats to Iran and their Supreme Leader in recent days Credit: Each individual plane is believed to have cost a whopping $223million to make. While it is still unclear why the plane was moved overnight, the aircraft is operational 24/7 to make sure it is always available when needed. Regular training flights are often done throughout the year as well. It follows a week of signs that the US is preparing to blitz Iran with the most notable being a At least 30 large air-to-air refuellers swooped across the Atlantic followed by at least a dozen F-22 Raptors and F-35 Lightning jets. Experts said the F-22s and F-35s would most likely be used to bolster Israel's air defence amid fears Tel Aviv cold run low in its Iron Dome and interceptor missiles. But there are fears the fighter bombers could also be used to strike targets inside Iran . The USS Nimitz aircraft carrier was also seen The US President has already warned the "full strength and might" of the military would be used if America was attacked. Dozens of USAF KC-135 Stratotanker refuelers and KC-46 Pegasus tankers swooped into bases in Prestwick, Scotland, Ramstein, Germany, Moron in Spain and Chania in Crete. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said he had ordered 'the deployment of additional capabilities' to the Middle East amid spiralling fears of World War Three. But he insisted their role was 'defensive'. The Sun's trip on board USS Nimitz By AS America sends the flagship USS Nimitz supercarrier to the Middle East amid rising tensions, the Sun reveals what life is like onboard. The Sun spent two days on board the Nimitz, nicknamed Old Salt, a $4.5billion nuclear-powered supercarrier weighing almost 100,000 tons. The warship is 1,092ft long and 252ft wide and has a four and a half acre flight deck. The massive 117,000 sq ft warship boasts four aircraft catapults and jets are brought up to the deck using four giant elevators from the hangar deep below the 4.5 acre flight deck. The supercarrier, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 11, holds F/A-18 Super Hornets, EA-18G Growlers and F-35C stealth strike fighters. Inside the ten floor, 3,000 room hull underneath the flight deck life is one slick operation. There are several cafeterias, gyms, a Starbucks coffee shop and 'luxury' state rooms for 'Distinguished Visitors'. Since it is nuclear-powered, the Nimitz – call sign NMTZ - can operate for up to 20 years without refueling. The Nimitz is the world's second largest supercarrier, only behind the Gerald R Ford. 9 The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz is also heading for the Middle East Credit: AFP 9 Smoke and fire rise at an impacted facility site following missile attack from Iran on Israel Credit: Reuters
Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
Trump's ‘Doomsday Plane' designed to survive nuclear war touches down near Washington DC as Iran strike looms
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) DONALD Trump's nuclear-hardened "Doomsday Plane" has touched down near to Washington DC as speculation grows over a strike on Iran. The impervious US Air Force E-4B 'Nightwatch' aircraft landed at Joint Base Andrews under the cover of darkness on Tuesday - hours after Trump's crisis meeting in the White House Situation Room. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 9 The impervious US Air Force E-4B 'Nightwatch' aircraft has touched down near to Washington DC Credit: Getty 9 An advanced satellite communications system allows for worldwide conversations with global senior leaders Credit: SWNS 9 A fire burns at the Iran State Radio and Television (IRIB) building after it was hit by an Israeli strike Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 9 Eager aviation followers managed to track the huge Boeing as it went on the move and went on a highly irregular flight path from Barksdale Air Force Base in Shreveport, Louisiana. Its movement has sparked fears that it could be a clear indication of Trump and the US joining the war against Iran. The US government has been urged to join forces with Israel in recent days and bring an end to the Iranian regime in the Middle East. Trump has even directly threatened Tehran's Supreme Leader this week, saying "we know where you're hiding". US officials have stressed no official decision has been made yet about their intervention. But the Nightwatch being moved to just outside of the capital has raised many eyebrows around why it is now so close to the president. The craft took off from Bossier City and traveled along the coast before landing at the airbase in Maryland at 10:01pm. The flight lasted for over four hours with never-before-seen call signs also being noticed by online trackers of ORDER01 instead of the typical ORDER6. The militarized Boeing 747-200 is only used by the White House's top staff and defence forces in case of a major emergency or global crisis. The aircraft has only been called into action once before - on September 11, 2001 during the attack on the Twin Towers. Britain will NEVER be safe until Iran's nuke scheme is crushed…this is our Churchill moment, Israeli ambassador says This is due to it being specially designed to keep the US's most powerful figures safe even in the most deadly conditions. It is designed to withstand electromagnetic pulses and even nuclear and thermal blasts - hence the "Doomsday Plane" nickname. They have been in operation since the 1970s and were long considered the best chance for a Cold War president to survive a nuke. The massive 231ft jet can hold up to 111 crew and passengers on board and features six main areas from a relaxing lounge to a command work area and briefing room. Another key safety feature is that the plane has four engines and is capable of refueling mid flight allowing for over 35 hours in the air. Elsewhere, an advanced satellite communications system allows for worldwide conversations with global senior leaders. An engine can produce 52,500 pounds of thrust from the planes and they can carry up to 800,000 pounds. This weight can be easily distributed across the massive 231ft long craft that also boasts a 195ft wingspan. 9 Smoke rises in the direction of Khojir complex as the Israel-Iran air war continues Credit: Reuters 9 A USAF C-17 Globemaster cargo transport plane lands at Prestwick airport as one of many US military aircraft deployed from the US towards Europe and the Middle East Credit: Alamy 9 Trump has already sent threats to Iran and their Supreme Leader in recent days Credit: Each individual plane is believed to have cost a whopping $223million to make. While it is still unclear why the plane was moved overnight, the aircraft is operational 24/7 to make sure it is always available when needed. Regular training flights are often done throughout the year as well. It follows a week of signs that the US is preparing to blitz Iran with the most notable being a huge US air armada made up of dozens of military jets landing in Europe this week. At least 30 large air-to-air refuellers swooped across the Atlantic followed by at least a dozen F-22 Raptors and F-35 Lightning jets. Experts said the F-22s and F-35s would most likely be used to bolster Israel's air defence amid fears Tel Aviv cold run low in its Iron Dome and interceptor missiles. But there are fears the fighter bombers could also be used to strike targets inside Iran. The USS Nimitz aircraft carrier was also seen steaming towards the Gulf to reinforce the carrier USS Carl Vinson. The US President has already warned the "full strength and might" of the military would be used if America was attacked. Dozens of USAF KC-135 Stratotanker refuelers and KC-46 Pegasus tankers swooped into bases in Prestwick, Scotland, Ramstein, Germany, Moron in Spain and Chania in Crete. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said he had ordered 'the deployment of additional capabilities' to the Middle East amid spiralling fears of World War Three. But he insisted their role was 'defensive'. The Sun's trip on board USS Nimitz By Ryan Parry, Senior Reporter AS America sends the flagship USS Nimitz supercarrier to the Middle East amid rising tensions, the Sun reveals what life is like onboard. The Sun spent two days on board the Nimitz, nicknamed Old Salt, a $4.5billion nuclear-powered supercarrier weighing almost 100,000 tons. The warship is 1,092ft long and 252ft wide and has a four and a half acre flight deck. The massive 117,000 sq ft warship boasts four aircraft catapults and jets are brought up to the deck using four giant elevators from the hangar deep below the 4.5 acre flight deck. The supercarrier, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 11, holds F/A-18 Super Hornets, EA-18G Growlers and F-35C stealth strike fighters. Inside the ten floor, 3,000 room hull underneath the flight deck life is one slick operation. There are several cafeterias, gyms, a Starbucks coffee shop and 'luxury' state rooms for 'Distinguished Visitors'. Since it is nuclear-powered, the Nimitz – call sign NMTZ - can operate for up to 20 years without refueling. The Nimitz is the world's second largest supercarrier, only behind the Gerald R Ford. 9 The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz is also heading for the Middle East Credit: AFP
Metro
3 hours ago
- Politics
- Metro
US 'Doomsday Plane' spotted near DC: Everything to know about the Boeing E-4B
A US Air Force E-4B aircraft landed near Washington, DC, heightening speculation as President Donald Trump weighs joining the war between Iran and Israel. The 'Nightwatch' aircraft nicknamed the presidential 'Doomsday Plane' touched down at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Tuesday night. It departed from Barksdale Air Force Base in Shreveport, Louisiana, and took a very unusual flight path to arrive close to DC, i24NEWS reported. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Metro on the Boeing E-4B's mission, if it was related to the Iran-Israel conflict and whether Trump was on board. Unlike Air Force One which is known as the 'flying Oval Office', the E-4B Nightwatch is essentially a 'flying war room'. It is referred to as the Doomsday Plane because it has thermal and nuclear shielding designed to withstand nuclear blasts, and an electrical system that is immune to electromagnetic pulses. The plane has the ability to fly for 12 hours without needing to refuel. It is deployed to protect the president and senior administration officials, and is also used to transport the Secretary of Defense internationally. Beside transporting the president and top officials, the E-4B is sometimes flown for training and readiness drills. But the aircraft's irregular flight path and presence near DC the same day that Trump met with his national security advisers in the White House Situation Room boosts theories that it could be linked to the escalating conflict in the Middle East. Equipped with a command and control center to deliver military orders, the Doomsday Plane is meant to be flown in dire scenarios including ahead of a nuclear attack. The world is watching as Trump on Wednesday was cryptic on whether the US will join the war, saying, 'I may do it. I may not do it. I mean, nobody knows what I'm going to do.' The US Air Force has a fleet of four E-4Bs and they are all assigned to the 595th Command and Control Group at Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, Nebraska. More Trending E-4Bs have been in operation since the Cold War. One E-4B has been staffed nonstop since 1975. It 'is on alert at all times, often traveling with the president or secretary of defense in case of emergency', according to Senator Deb Fischer of Nebraska. 'Nebraska is proud to house this remarkable fleet,' she said in a 2024 column. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Brain dead woman Adriana Smith gives birth after being kept alive due to law MORE: Bunker buster bomb that can penetrate to 200ft is reason Israel wants the US to join war with Iran MORE: 'Dark fleet' tanker caught on fire after being struck in Persian Gulf
Daily Mail
5 hours ago
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Trump's 'doomsday plane' dispatched amid rising Iran war fears
President Donald Trump's emergency command aircraft was caught making a mysterious flight from Louisiana to Maryland on Tuesday. The Boeing E-4B 'Nightwatch', also known as the 'Doomsday plane,' serves as a flying command post for key officials during times of crisis, particularly designed to survive a nuclear attack and coordinate military actions. The craft took off from Bossier City at 5:56pm ET, traveled along the coast, looped around the border of Virginia and North Carolina, before landing at Joint Base Andrews at 10:01pm. The mission lasted over four hours, sparking online speculation, especially after users noticed a never-before-seen callsign, ORDER01, instead of the usual ORDER6. The fleet of four E-4Bs makes routine flights throughout the year to maintain the military's readiness. Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (pictured), said in a statement read by a television presenter on Wednesday that his country will not accept Trump's call for an unconditional surrender. At least 224 people have been killed in Iran since Israel launched a bombing campaign last week, aiming to disrupt the country's nuclear ambitions. The Doomsday plane took off from Barksdale Air Force Base. However, the craft is traditionally stored at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska. FlightAware shows that the craft first left near Window Rock, Arizona, at 10:37am on Tuesday, making the trip to the Louisiana base. It can be deployed to other bases for operational readiness and in support of various missions. Past missions included transporting FEMA crews and acting as a command post during Hurricane Opal in 1995. A plane was also reportedly used as a safe haven for President George W Bush after the 9/11 attacks. However, the craft is not always used as doomsday vessels. The Secretary of Defense will occasionally travel overseas in an E-4B. While the purpose of Tuesday's mission is unknown, it came just hours before Khamenei said that Iran would 'stand firm against an imposed war, just as it will stand firm against an imposed peace.' 'This nation will not surrender to anyone in the face of imposition,' he said in his first televised comments since Israel launched its surprise attack on Friday. Khamenei also alluded to Trump's recent statements, saying that 'intelligent people who know Iran, the Iranian nation, and its history will never speak to this nation in threatening language'. 'The Americans should know that any US military intervention will undoubtedly be accompanied by irreparable damage,' he added. Khamenei said that Israel had made a 'huge mistake' with its campaign, promising that it will be 'punished'. The US has a total of four E-4B aircraft, featuring unique capabilities that cannot be duplicated by any other aircraft used by the Air Force. They have thermal and nuclear shielding, and are capable of withstanding nuclear blasts, electromagnetic effects and cyberattacks. They can also launch retaliatory missiles. The plane carries special equipment and can communicate with anyone, anywhere in the world, and support analysts and strategists in-flight. E-4Bs have 67 satellite dishes and antennas in the ray dome. Doomsday planes have three decks, which include a command room, conference room, briefing room, teamwork area, communications room and a designated rest area featuring 18 bunks. The planes have remained airborne and operational for as long as 35.4 hours in one stint, but they were designed to operate in-flight for a full week without needing to land. The E-4B is also capable of refueling mid-air.
