The United States Air Force has confirmed to fly the E4-B Nightwatch, often dubbed the doomsday plane, to Europe. This plane apparently accompanied President Joe Biden's visit for 4 days.
Called the doomsday plane because it was designed as a control and command center in the event of a nuclear war. One of the jets, based on a Boeing 747, had already flown into the UK Air Force base in Suffolk. He had time to refuel in the air while passing through the Atlantic ocean.
Quoted from the Daily Mail, the doomsday plane is always on standby, aka permanent alert, so that it can be used at any time in the event of a nuclear conflict. There are 4 units in total.
Predictably, this plane was deployed in anticipation of Russia finally deploying nuclear weapons related to the war with Ukraine. It is also sometimes referred to as the 'Flying Pentagon' for being the air base for important American officials.
The United States' Doomsday Plane. This is a 747 E-4B specially modified for nuclear threats. Photo: Daily Mail
A few days ago, Vladimir Putin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said nuclear weapons could be used if Russia was threatened.
"Russia can do anything. They don't obey any rules. They don't respect international law," said Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin.
Biden is in Europe on a 4-day visit, flying from America on Air Force One. He is currently in Brussels with one of the agenda items discussing Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The doomsday plane has been in operation since the Cold War in the 1980s between the US and the Soviet Union. It consists of three levels and can accommodate up to 112 crew members, including top American officials.
Can be refueled in the air, the Nightwatch can stay in the sky for days, a maximum of 7 days. The manufacturing material is designed to survive even in conditions of nuclear war.
Because it is designed to deal with nuclear war, this aircraft has several unique features. Most importantly, this aircraft uses an analog system entirely, there are no digital devices because it will be paralyzed by electromagnetic waves (EMP) attacks due to nuclear explosions.
This plane also has a kind of hump like a camel's hump on the back of the plane. It was the Ray Dome, which contained 67 satellite dishes and antennas for communications. This plane is also equipped with 18 beds and 6 bathrooms.
Biden can also carry out orders from this plane, including to launch nuclear missiles if needed.
As mentioned, the aircraft is theoretically capable of withstanding nuclear attack, plus the effects of electromagnetic pulses, while still keeping leaders in touch with other world leaders via satellite communications.