Latest news with #DoomsdayPlane
Yahoo
28-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
What Makes Boeing's Doomsday Plane Different From Air Force One?
As the iconic Boeing 747 is on its final flight path to obsolescence, there are only a few airlines still flying them. Yet oddly enough, a handful of old 747s remain some of the most important aircraft in the country. There are modified versions of the aircraft used for both Air Force One and the so-called "Doomsday Plane" that's designed to be sort of a flying Pentagon in case of nuclear war. How old are these aircraft? The two planes serving as Air Force One have been transporting U.S. presidents around the world since the 20th century, with President George H.W. Bush taking his first flights in both in 1990. With aircraft that old, it's no wonder former Pizza Hut spokesperson Donald Trump is desperate to fly on a new Air Force One. And the Doomsday editions have been around even longer. Needless to say, it's hard to get parts for these out-of-production planes, which makes it hard to service them in a timely manner, and although they're still considered safe, they've served well past their expected life cycles. Boeing had contracted for new Air Force One planes under the Obama administration, but delays in the program and problems with other Boeing aircraft seem to have left that project up in the air. Which means the old Air Force One and Doomsday Planes are still up in the air, playing two very different roles. Read more: These Movies And TV Shows Have The Best Car Casting A Quick Look At Air Force One The two jets that serve as Air Force One started life as Boeing 747-200B airliners; the Air Force uses the designation VC-25A for the planes after they've been modified for presidential use. Technically, "Air Force One" is the radio call sign for a plane only when the president is on board; otherwise, they go by their tail numbers: 28000 and 29000. Now, Air Force One does have some (classified) defense systems, including some that hide the jet engines' heat signature from missiles, as well as other countermeasures meant to misdirect the missiles' flight. Its communications capabilities have been beefed up, too. But Air Force One is really about providing a place where the president can relax and/or do business while in the air. For starters, it can hold up to 71 passengers with an executive suite for the commander in chief, complete with its own shower. You'll also find a main conference room, smaller meeting rooms, and a medical suite (staffed by a flight surgeon and registered nurse). If folks get hungry, Air Force One has two galleys that can prepare 100 meals at a time. For the long haul, there are enough ingredients on board for 2,000 meals, and the aircraft can refuel while in flight. Escape pods? Those are only for movies so far, but maybe one will be added to Trump's so-called "free" plane from Qatar. A Quick Look At The Doomsday Plane First off, the Air Force doesn't officially refer to the E-4B -- another militarized version of the 747-200 -- as "Doomsday" anything. It's the Night Watch or, when it's on duty, the National Airborne Operations Center; its mission is to essentially act as the country's military command center in case the ground-based ones are destroyed in a nuclear war, zombie apocalypse, or other calamity. There are actually four of these planes now in service, all of which became operational in 1974. Due to the nature of their role, the exact details of the Night Watch aircraft are classified, of course, but there are a few general overviews out there. Based out of Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska, the E-4Bs can fit up to 111 people, and one is on duty around the clock. Inside, the main deck is split into different stations with vague names like command center, conference room, communications room, etc. The E-4Bs also have their share of fancy defensive countermeasures. Perhaps the key difference is that the Nightwatch — unlike Air Force One — is shielded from thermal radiation and electromagnetic pulses (EMPs). That's good news considering how eager AI is to launch nukes when global trouble starts. Want more like this? Join the Jalopnik newsletter to get the latest auto news sent straight to your inbox... Read the original article on Jalopnik.
Daily Mail
24-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Report: Trump set to flee to secret sites if nuclear war breaks
President Donald Trump could be forced to flee to one of several hidden bases if a global nuclear war broke out, secret doomsday plans have revealed. In the face of a catastrophic event, like a war with Iran or other nuclear powers, the US government has a playbook to keep itself running called the Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP). This strategy ensures that critical government functions, like national defense, economic stability, and public safety, keep going even if several major cities were destroyed by a weapon of mass destruction. From fortified bunkers in Colorado , Pennsylvania , or Virginia , the Trump Administration or future White Houses can continue to govern the country despite the grave threat of nuclear apocalypse. In recent days, the possibility that COOP was about to be implemented terrified many Americans as the president's emergency command aircraft was caught flying over parts of the US. Flight trackers spotted the Boeing E-4B 'Nightwatch,' also known as the 'Doomsday plane,' soaring from Louisiana to Maryland on June 17. Just four days later, the US military struck three nuclear sites in Iran, despite the warnings from China and Russia that such an attack could send the world spiraling into World War III. The Doomsday plane serves as a flying command post for key officials during times of crisis, and is particularly designed to survive a nuclear attack and coordinate military actions . COOP doesn't focus on everyday Americans. It's all about guaranteeing that leaders survive to guide the nation through chaos. The secretive government plan was created as a framework for relocating key personnel, securing communication networks, and protecting vital records in the event that America's most protected sites came under attack. In a World War III scenario with nuclear weapons, COOP would ensure the president, military leaders, and other officials operate from safe locations, preventing a leadership collapse that could lead to disorder throughout the states. The plan includes clear lines of succession, so if the president, vice president, or other top officials are killed, others are ready to take charge. This is vital for maintaining military command and coordinating emergency responses during a global conflict. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), COOP ensures 'the capability exists to continue essential agency functions across a wide range of potential emergencies.' This plan doesn't just cover World War III, it is also meant to handle the fallout from crises like a major natural disaster, another pandemic, or a terrorist attack. COOP's origins lie in the Cold War, when nuclear war with the Soviet Union was a daily fear for years. President Dwight Eisenhower laid its foundation in the 1950s through executive orders, directing agencies to prepare for post-attack governance. The Federation of American Scientists (FAS) notes that Eisenhower's actions spurred the creation of secure facilities and communication systems to withstand nuclear blasts. Future presidents would expand those plans through directives like Presidential Decision Directive 67 in the 1990s, which formalized the COOP programs. Today, it's guided by National Continuity Policy Directive (FCD-1), ensuring adaptability to modern threats like cyberattacks or nuclear escalation. As for where the president and other leaders will escape to in the event that a full-scale ware breaks out, there are three specific locations that are fortified enough to withstand a nuclear attack. The Mount Weather Emergency Operations Center in Virginia is managed by FEMA and reportedly contains a bunker designed for civilian leaders and communications equipment so the US government can maintain contact with the public. Raven Rock Mountain Complex in Pennsylvania would serve as the Department of Defense's military command hub during a national emergency. Lastly, Cheyenne Mountain Complex in Colorado is an underground facility and the former home of NORAD, the military command responsible for defending the airspace over the US and Canada. While no longer NORAD's primary headquarters, it remains an alternate command center for NORAD and a backup COOP site because of its nuclear-resistant design and communication systems. Although COOP is well-documented in government and scholarly sources, specific details are classified for security purposes. FEMA's official website outlines continuity programs, emphasizing their role in national preparedness. Even the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) publicly details its own COOP measures, showing how agencies implement the plan. A 2002 report by the Congressional Research Service (CRS) confirmed COOP's activation after the 9/11 terror attacks, with 75 to 150 officials relocated to secure sites, proving its real-world use.
Daily Mail
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Donald Trump set to flee to one of three secret sites in nuclear war with Iran, doomsday plans reveal
President Donald Trump could be forced to flee to one of several hidden bases if a global nuclear war broke out, secret doomsday plans have revealed. In the face of a catastrophic event, like a war with Iran or other nuclear powers, the US government has a playbook to keep itself running called the Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP). This strategy ensures that critical government functions, like national defense, economic stability, and public safety, keep going even if several major cities were destroyed by a weapon of mass destruction. From fortified bunkers in Colorado, Pennsylvania, or Virginia, the Trump Administration or future White Houses can continue to govern the country despite the grave threat of nuclear apocalypse. In recent days, the possibility that COOP was about to be implemented terrified many Americans as the president's emergency command aircraft was caught flying over parts of the US. Flight trackers spotted the Boeing E-4B 'Nightwatch,' also known as the 'Doomsday plane,' soaring from Louisiana to Maryland on June 17. Just four days later, the US military struck three nuclear sites in Iran, despite the warnings from China and Russia that such an attack could send the world spiraling into World War III. The Doomsday plane serves as a flying command post for key officials during times of crisis, and is particularly designed to survive a nuclear attack and coordinate military actions. While the Doomsday plane has been deployed in times of crisis, the Air Force said the June 17 flight was 'a pre-scheduled mission that was unrelated to current events in the Middle East' COOP doesn't focus on everyday Americans. It's all about guaranteeing that leaders survive to guide the nation through chaos. The secretive government plan was created as a framework for relocating key personnel, securing communication networks, and protecting vital records in the event that America's most protected sites came under attack. In a World War III scenario with nuclear weapons, COOP would ensure the president, military leaders, and other officials operate from safe locations, preventing a leadership collapse that could lead to disorder throughout the states. The plan includes clear lines of succession, so if the president, vice president, or other top officials are killed, others are ready to take charge. This is vital for maintaining military command and coordinating emergency responses during a global conflict. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), COOP ensures 'the capability exists to continue essential agency functions across a wide range of potential emergencies.' This plan doesn't just cover World War III, it is also meant to handle the fallout from crises like a major natural disaster, another pandemic, or a terrorist attack. COOP's origins lie in the Cold War, when nuclear war with the Soviet Union was a daily fear for years. President Dwight Eisenhower laid its foundation in the 1950s through executive orders, directing agencies to prepare for post-attack governance. The Federation of American Scientists (FAS) notes that Eisenhower's actions spurred the creation of secure facilities and communication systems to withstand nuclear blasts. Future presidents would expand those plans through directives like Presidential Decision Directive 67 in the 1990s, which formalized the COOP programs. Today, it's guided by National Continuity Policy Directive (FCD-1), ensuring adaptability to modern threats like cyberattacks or nuclear escalation. As for where the president and other leaders will escape to in the event that a full-scale ware breaks out, there are three specific locations that are fortified enough to withstand a nuclear attack. The Mount Weather Emergency Operations Center in Virginia is managed by FEMA and reportedly contains a bunker designed for civilian leaders and communications equipment so the US government can maintain contact with the public. Raven Rock Mountain Complex in Pennsylvania would serve as the Department of Defense's military command hub during a national emergency. Lastly, Cheyenne Mountain Complex in Colorado is an underground facility and the former home of NORAD, the military command responsible for defending the airspace over the US and Canada. While no longer NORAD's primary headquarters, it remains an alternate command center for NORAD and a backup COOP site because of its nuclear-resistant design and communication systems. The Continuity of Operations Plan acts like a playbook for the US government in the event of a major world war where several major cities are destroyed (Stock Image) Although COOP is well-documented in government and scholarly sources, specific details are classified for security purposes. FEMA's official website outlines continuity programs, emphasizing their role in national preparedness. Even the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) publicly details its own COOP measures, showing how agencies implement the plan. A 2002 report by the Congressional Research Service (CRS) confirmed COOP's activation after the 9/11 terror attacks, with 75 to 150 officials relocated to secure sites, proving its real-world use.
Economic Times
21-06-2025
- Politics
- Economic Times
Doomsday Plane spotted in D.C. — what is it and who's behind the mysterious aircraft?
Agencies Doomsday Plane E-4B lands near D.C. as Trump weighs Iran strike. With rising Iran-Israel tensions, the powerful nuclear-ready aircraft's flight has sparked global concern. What does this unexpected movement mean for U.S. defense and global stability? Doomsday Plane lands near Washington as Trump weighs Iran strike amid rising Middle East tensions- A U.S. Air Force E-4B Nightwatch, widely known as the 'Doomsday Plane,' made an unusual flight from Louisiana to Joint Base Andrews near Washington, D.C., on Tuesday night, sparking growing speculation as tensions escalate between Iran and Israel. The aircraft, designed for use during nuclear war or national emergencies, took a winding and irregular path, adding to the concern among military analysts and aviation trackers. This development comes as President Donald Trump considers military action against Iran's nuclear sites, while regional instability intensifies. The rare flight of the E-4B — which serves as the National Airborne Operations Center (NAOC) — signals potential preparation for emergency scenarios. The E-4B Nightwatch, often referred to as the 'Doomsday Plane,' is one of four such aircraft operated by the U.S. Air Force. Its primary function is to serve as a mobile command center for the President, Secretary of Defense, and senior military leaders during catastrophic events, such as nuclear war. These planes are built to withstand nuclear blasts, cyberattacks, and electromagnetic pulses, and they can stay airborne for up to a week thanks to in-flight refueling capabilities. Each aircraft can carry up to 112 personnel and is equipped with 67 satellite dishes and antennas to ensure uninterrupted communication across the globe. While E-4Bs occasionally fly training missions, the timing, route, and destination of this flight — especially amid the current geopolitical crisis — have raised red flags. The E-4B took off from Barksdale Air Force Base in Shreveport, Louisiana, around Tuesday evening and arrived at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, after about four hours, according to data from public flight trackers. Its erratic flight pattern deviated from standard military training routes, further fueling speculation about the nature of the mission. This flight coincided with growing fears of a regional war in the Middle East, where Israel is reportedly stepping up military operations against Iran, including the possibility of striking nuclear sites. The presence of this aircraft near Washington hints at heightened readiness in U.S. defense circles. This isn't just any airplane. The E-4B can stay in the air for over 35 hours without landing, and with mid-air refueling, it can fly for days at a time. It's packed with analog instruments to withstand digital warfare, and it can carry over 100 people — including military commanders, intelligence officers, and senior officials. Feature Details Crew Capacity Up to 112 personnel Endurance Over 35 hours (can extend with aerial refueling) Protection Shields from EMPs, nukes, and cyber attacks Communication Secure global communications & satellite links As of now, it's unclear whether President Donald Trump was on board the E-4B Nightwatch. Officials have not issued a statement confirming the passengers or the purpose of this mission. However, given that the aircraft serves as a presidential airborne command post, its use is typically reserved for urgent situations involving top-level leadership. In light of recent comments, where Trump said, 'I may do it, I may not do it – nobody knows what I'm going to do,' regarding a strike on Iran's nuclear program, the movement of this plane is viewed by many as a sign of increased alertness within U.S. national security operations. Tensions between Iran and Israel have escalated rapidly. In recent days, President Trump demanded Iran's unconditional surrender, signaling a hardline stance. Meanwhile, Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, rejected the U.S. threat outright, stating, 'The Iranian nation isn't frightened by such threats.' Amid this back-and-forth, Israel is reportedly preparing for broader military engagement with Iran, heightening the risk of a regional conflict. While the U.S. has not confirmed whether it will join Israel's offensive, the movement of military assets like the E-4B could indicate strategic posturing. The plane is run by the U.S. Air Force's 1st Airborne Command and Control Squadron, based at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska. This elite unit is trained to keep the chain of command alive, even if Washington is under attack. The aircraft is part of a four-plane fleet that's been in service for decades — and is now undergoing a $13 billion modernization effort to prepare for future threats. That's the question many are now asking — especially after the Doomsday Plane's sudden appearance. Tensions between the U.S. and Iran have been rising sharply in recent weeks, with President Donald Trump making renewed threats and reports of increased military posturing in the region. The E-4B's flight path — combined with its rare 'ORDER01' callsign — suggests this wasn't a routine drill. While no official comment links the flight directly to Iran, military analysts believe it could be a strategic signal to Tehran: the U.S. is prepared for any scenario, including full-scale retaliation. If diplomacy fails and conflict escalates, the Doomsday Plane ensures American leadership can still function from the sky — even in the middle of a war. Military experts are closely watching the signals coming from Washington. The deployment of the E-4B Nightwatch, though not unprecedented, often points to crisis scenarios or preparation drills for potential wartime leadership continuity. Given that the E-4B was last significantly used on 9/11, its recent activity sends a powerful message. As one of the few U.S. military aircraft that can remain operational even during a nuclear conflict, its flight near D.C. in this political climate is deeply symbolic. Whether this is a preemptive readiness exercise or a precursor to actual conflict, remains uncertain. However, with Middle East tensions rising and the White House weighing options, this development suggests a serious level of preparedness. The U.S. Doomsday Plane (E-4B Nightwatch) landed near D.C. after an unusual flight from Louisiana. It serves as a mobile command post during nuclear or national emergencies. The flight happened as President Trump considers striking Iran's nuclear facilities. Rising Iran-Israel tensions and U.S. military movements suggest heightened alert. No official word yet on the mission or whether Trump was aboard the plane. Q1. What is the Doomsday Plane E-4B Nightwatch used for? It's used as a flying command center for emergencies like nuclear war. Q2. Why did the Doomsday Plane land in Washington now? It landed amid Trump's possible Iran strike plans and rising Middle East tensions.
Yahoo
21-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
A guide to the 'doomsday plane': The US airborne command center
As President Donald Trump weighs whether he will target Iranian nuclear facilities amid escalating Israel-Iran conflict, the president's U.S. Air Force E-4B Nightwatch, also known as the "doomsday plane," is now attracting attention, having reportedly landed at Joint Base Andrews outside Washington, D.C., earlier this week, according to the New York Post and other media. In response to inquiries about the alleged Nightwatch landing, officials from Joint Base Andrews told Fox News Digital that "as a matter of operational security, we cannot comment on specific location or purpose of the [National Airborne Operations Center] or other aircraft on our flightline." Other reports say the plane is no longer in the Washington area and is back at its home base. Iran Warns Us Joining Conflict Would Mean 'All-out War,' Refuses Demands To Give Up Disputed Nuclear Program Here's what to know about the E-4B Nightwatch: The E-4B is a Boeing 747-200 that has been militarized and is operated by the U.S. Air Force. Designed during the Cold War, the plane can remain airborne for up to a week and is able to refuel in midair. Sixty-seven antennas and satellite dishes allow the Nightwatch to communicate with individuals worldwide. Read On The Fox News App The U.S. maintains a fleet of four E-4Bs, built at a cost of $438.76 million each. The E-4B is designed as a mobile command post that allows national security officials, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the President, and the Secretary of Defense to continue running the government during a nuclear conflict. According to a USAF press release, it is also used for international travel by the Secretary of Defense. "Additionally, the E-4B provides outside the continental United States travel support for the Secretary of Defense and his staff to ensure Title 10 command and control connectivity." According to the Aviation Zone, in 1994 FEMA was authorized to use the plane as a control and command center during natural disasters. In Iran's 'Forever War' Against The Us, Regime Has Targeted, Killed Americans Worldwide Publicly available U.S. Air Force data states that "at least one E4-B is always generated as a NAOC and on alert 24 hours a day, 7 days a week" to support senior defense officials. The E-4B can hold a crew of 112. Onboard, officials have access to 18 bunks, six bathrooms, a conference room, communications space, a briefing room and a rest area. The Air Force says that "the conduct of E-4B operations encompasses all phases of the threat spectrum." The Nightwatch can withstand an electromagnetic pulse and can survive nuclear blasts and cyberattacks. Netanyahu Declares Israel 'Will Exact The Full Price' After Iranian Strike Hits Hospital In Israel Leaders within Iran have threatened retaliation against the U.S. in the event it enters the Israel-Iran conflict. Theresa Payton, former White House chief information officer and CEO of the cybersecurity firm Fortalice Solutions, told Fox News Digital that the Islamic Regime may prepare a high-impact cyberattack on the U.S. "as it becomes more and more desperate." The president is said to be deciding whether to use the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber to deliver a series of 30,000-pound GBU-57 Massive Ordinance Penetrators, also known as "bunker busters," to destroy Iran's well-fortified Fordow nuclear facility, which may lie further than 300 feet below mountainous rock. While Israel targeted facilities associated with the Iranian military and Iran's nuclear program, on June 19, Iran struck Soroka Hospital, the largest hospital in southern Israel, with a ballistic missile, causing damage. Original article source: A guide to the 'doomsday plane': The US airborne command center
