SNC E-4C Survivable Airborne Operations Center

E-4C Survivable Airborne Operations Center
Role Airborne strategic command and control post
Manufacturer Sierra Nevada Corporation
Introduction 2032 (planned)
Status In development
Primary user United States Air Force
Developed from Boeing 747-8I

The E-4C Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC) is a United States Air Force program to develop a replacement for the E-4B National Airborne Operations Center (NAOC), a strategic command-and-control military aircraft used as a mobile command post for the National Command Authority in emergency situations.

The current E-4 platforms were built in the 1970s. The airframes are reaching the end of their operational lifespans and support costs are increasing. Because of this, in 2019, the USAF began a program to develop a new platform. This program will take several years to complete. The E-4s will continue to fulfill the role in the meantime.

Sierra Nevada Corporation was selected in 2024 to develop the aircraft. The company announced that the aircraft will be based on 747-8i, and SNC will collaborate with Rolls Royce.

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