An E-4B Nightwatch jet was spotted flying over the skies of Texas by a keen aviation photographer. The plane was completely stripped of paint, with much of its skin covered in a green zinc chromate coating.
The Boeing 747-200-based E-4Bs are more commonly known as “doomsday planes” due to their military role. The planes are designed to serve as secure flying command posts for the US President and other senior military officials during times of crisis, such as a nuclear war. Aviation enthusiast Tori Mae Fontana snapped a photo of the rarely seen plane, as it took off from Meacham International Airport in Fort Worth.
She told the TWZ website: “So it was here at International Aerospace Coatings (IAC).
“They have painted E-4s before. I know they have previously had a Boeing contract. I am assuming it’s still current. I am also assuming it went back to San Antonio because Boeing has the contract for the E-4 maintenance.”
The E-4B evolved from the E-4A, which had been in service since late 1974. The first B model was delivered to the US Air Force in January 1980, and by 1985 all aircraft were converted to B models.
All E-4B aircraft are assigned to the 595th Command and Control Group at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska.
The E-4B, a militarised version of the Boeing 747-200, is a four-engine, swept-wing, long-range, high-altitude airplane capable of refuelling in flight.
The main deck is divided into six functional areas: a command work area, conference room, briefing room, an operations team work area, communications area and rest area.
An E-4B may include seating for up to 111 people, including a joint-service operations team, Air Force flight crew, maintenance and security component, communications team and selected augmentees.
The E-4B is protected against the effects of electromagnetic pulse and has an electrical system designed to support advanced electronics and a wide variety of communications equipment.
An advanced satellite communications system provides worldwide communication for senior leaders through the airborne operations centre.
