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Business Standard
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
What is the secretive 'doomsday plane' spotted amid West Asia tensions?
One of the US military's most secretive aircraft, the Boeing E-4B Nightwatch, often referred to as the 'doomsday plane', reportedly landed at the Joint Base Andrews near Washington, DC on Tuesday night. The aircraft's arrival coincided with escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. Unusual flight path raises eyebrows The E-4B, which is built to safeguard the US Secretary of Defence and other senior national security personnel during nuclear conflict, was spotted on its route by flight trackers, according to a report by The New York Post. The plane departed from Bossier City, Louisiana, shortly before 6 pm (local time), and reached Maryland at 10 pm, after taking a lengthy and indirect path skirting the East Coast and circling near the borders of Virginia and North Carolina, according to data from FlightRadar. What is the 'doomsday plane'? The E-4B Nightwatch is a specially modified aircraft that acts as an airborne command post for the US President, Secretary of Defense, and top military leaders, allowing for critical communication and control in emergencies, including during nuclear attacks. Each E-4B is capable of housing up to 112 personnel and can travel over 7,000 miles. The aircraft is equipped with protection against nuclear explosions, cyber warfare, and electromagnetic interference, and has systems in place to launch retaliatory strikes if necessary. With 67 satellite dishes and antennas on board, the aircraft can maintain contact with any part of the world. Designed to operate continuously for up to a week without landing, it can refuel mid-air. Former US Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld used the E-4B as his main form of travel during George W Bush's presidency. Top specs of E-4B 'Nightwatch' * Primary function: Airborne operations center * Aircraft manufacturer: Boeing Aerospace Co * Power: Four General Electric CF6-50E2 turbofan engines * Thrust: 52,500 pounds each engine * Length: 231 feet, 4 inches (70.5 meters) * Maximum takeoff weight: 360,000 kg * Endurance: 12 hours (unrefuelled) * Date of deployment: January 1980 [Data as of June 2024] E-4B Nightwatch: The flying Pentagon The E-4B features three decks containing 18 sleeping bunks, a briefing room, teamwork area, conference room, command centre, and dedicated rest facilities, effectively transforming it into a 'flying Pentagon' capable of running government operations in times of national emergency. The US Air Force is currently in the process of replacing its E-4B fleet with newer models to continue its airborne command mission. Israel-Iran conflict: What's happening? The conflict has intensified as Israeli forces have carried out strikes on several Iranian nuclear and defence facilities, reportedly killing senior generals and nuclear scientists. A US-based human rights group reported 639 deaths in Iran, including 263 civilians, with over 1,300 wounded. In retaliation, Iran has launched approximately 400 missiles and multiple drones, resulting in at least 24 deaths in Israel and hundreds of injuries. (With inputs from multiple agencies)
NDTV
12 hours ago
- Politics
- NDTV
What Is 'Doomsday Plane' Spotted In US Skies Amid Iran-Israel Conflict
New Delhi: As tensions continue to flare between Israel and Iran, and Washington ponders over potential military action against the Islamic Republic, one of the US' most secretive aircraft quietly entered the skies above the US capital. On the night of June 17, the E-4B Nightwatch — a hardened airborne command centre built to keep America's top defence and security officials operational during a nuclear crisis — made a flight to Joint Base Andrews. Known as the 'doomsday plane,' the aircraft was spotted by flight trackers taking an unusually circuitous route to Washington, triggering speculation about its timing and purpose. What is the E-4B Nightwatch? The E-4B Nightwatch is a militarised version of the Boeing 747-200. It was repurposed by the US military into a flying war room. It is formally known as the National Airborne Operations Center (NAOC) and is designed to function as a mobile command post during a nuclear conflict or national catastrophe. When ground-based communication or leadership infrastructure is compromised, the E-4B helps top American officials to continue coordinating operations from the sky. It functions as an airborne command centre, enabling the President, Secretary of Defense and Joint Chiefs of Staff to maintain command, control and communication capabilities during times of national emergency. Why is it called the 'doomsday plane'? The aircraft is built to withstand nuclear blasts, electromagnetic pulses (EMPs) and other extreme disruptions. It is often described as the 'flying Pentagon' because of its ability to operate as a command-and-control centre even in the event of full-scale war. The E-4B has an unrefuelled endurance of 12 hours, but with mid-air refuelling, it is known to have remained airborne for as long as 35.4 hours, according to a report in The New York Post. Is its recent flight a cause of concern? E-4B flights are not uncommon. They are conducted regularly to maintain operational readiness — this particular sortie stood out. As per data from flight tracking site FlightRadar, the aircraft departed Bossier City, Louisiana, shortly before 6 pm, local time, on June 17 and touched down in Maryland around 10 pm, The New York Times reported. What drew attention was the flight path, which curved along the eastern coastline and looped over Virginia and North Carolina before heading to Maryland. Even more unusual was the callsign — instead of the routine ORDER6, the aircraft used ORDER01. E-4B flight amid geopolitical tensions? The flight coincided with an escalation in the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict. US President Donald Trump has demanded Iran's 'unconditional surrender' as the conflict continues to escalate, according to AP. Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, issued a warning to the US, threatening 'irreparable damage' if it directly intervened. FlightRadar data showed two Iranian government aircraft departed the country's airspace on Wednesday for Oman. It fuelled speculation that Iranian officials might be evacuating amid rising tensions, or that urgent diplomatic talks were being arranged in Muscat, Oman's capital, reported The New York Post. How many E-4B aircraft are there? The United States Air Force operates four E-4Bs, all as part of the 1st Airborne Command and Control Squadron. At any given time, at least one aircraft is on high alert and ready for immediate deployment.
Sky News AU
2 days ago
- Politics
- Sky News AU
US E-4B ‘doomsday plane' makes unexpected flight to Washington DC as Donald Trump weighs Iran strike
One of America's 'doomsday planes' made flight to Joint Base Andrews in Washington, DC Tuesday night as President Trump weighs whether to strike Iran's nuclear facilities. The E-4B Nightwatch – which was designed to protect the Secretary of Defense and other national security officials and keep the government operating in the time of nuclear war – was spotted by flight trackers, and made a long, winding route to the capital. The aircraft left Bossier City, Louisiana just before 6 p.m. on Tuesday and landed in Maryland at 10 p.m. after skirting the coast and looping around the border of Virginia and North Carolina, data from flight tracking site FlightRadar shows. Confusion was sparked after the flight issued an unusual callsign, ORDER01 instead of the usual ORDER6, according to flight data. The US fleet of four E-4Bs makes regular flights year-round to maintain military readiness. The E-4B serves as an airborne command center for the President, Secretary of Defense, and the Chairs of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to ensure continued critical command, control and communication in case of emergencies. Each E-4B Nightwatch can contain a crew of up to 112 people and has a range of more than 7,000 miles. Their importance to the US Air Force is demonstrated in the fact that they feature unique capabilities which cannot be copied by any other US Air Force aircraft. They are capable of withstanding nuclear blasts, cyberattacks and electromagnetic effects, and are equipped to fire retaliatory missiles. The aircraft also has thermal and nuclear shielding and can communicate with anyone anywhere in the world, thanks to the 67 satellite dishes and antennas contained in its ray dome. They are designed to remain airborne and operate in-flight for an entire week without needing to land and can also refuel in mid-air. The longest an E-4B has been known to stay in the air is 35.4 hours. With 18 bunks, a briefing room, teamwork area, conference room, command room, and designated rest area spread across three decks, the aircraft is designed to be a 'Flying Pentagon' in the event of a national emergency. President George W. Bush's Secretary of Defense, Donald Rumsfeld, used the E-4B as his primary mode of transportation. The mission may be linked to increased presidential security amid soaring tensions in the Middle East, some observers suggested. The US Air Force is in the process of replacing its fleet of E-4B Nightwatch aircraft. Last April, a $13 billion contract was signed with Sierra Nevada Corporation to develop a replacement for the aircraft, the Aviationist reported. It comes as President Trump demanded Iran's 'unconditional surrender' as the conflict between the Iranian regime and Israel intensified. Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, rejected President Trump's calls on Wednesday, despite the latest airstrikes on Tehran forcing thousands to flee the Iranian capital. At least 224 people have been killed in Iran since Israel launched its bombing campaign on the Islamist regime last week. Two Iranian governmental aircraft left the country's airspace on Wednesday bound for Oman, FlightRadar data shows. This sparked speculation that the senior Iranian leadership were either fleeing their besieged country, or that emergency peace talks were set to take place in the Omani capital, Muscat. Originally published as US E-4B 'doomsday plane' makes unexpected flight to Washington DC as Donald Trump weighs Iran strike
New York Post
2 days ago
- Politics
- New York Post
US E-4B ‘doomsday plane' makes unexpected flight to DC as Trump weighs Iran strike
One of America's 'doomsday planes' made flight to Joint Base Andrews in Washington, DC Tuesday night as President Trump weighs whether to strike Iran's nuclear facilities. The E-4B Nightwatch – which was designed to protect the Secretary of Defense and other national security officials and keep the government operating in the time of nuclear war – was spotted by flight trackers, and made a long, winding route to the capital. The aircraft left Bossier City, Louisiana just before 6 p.m. on Tuesday and landed in Maryland at 10 p.m. after skirting the coast and looping around the border of Virginia and North Carolina, data from flight tracking site FlightRadar shows. Advertisement 7 The E-4B Nightwatch — known as a 'doomsday plane' — has made the trip to Joint Base Andrews in Washington, DC. 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs 7 The flight path of the E-4B plane. FlightRadar24 Confusion was sparked after the flight issued an unusual callsign, ORDER01 instead of the usual ORDER6, according to flight data. Advertisement The US fleet of four E-4Bs makes regular flights year-round to maintain military readiness. The E-4B serves as an airborne command center for the President, Secretary of Defense, and the Chairs of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to ensure continued critical command, control and communication in case of emergencies. Each E-4B Nightwatch can contain a crew of up to 112 people and has a range of more than 7,000 miles. 7 The plane is designed to protect the Secretary of Defense and other national security officials in event of a nuclear war. 100th Air Refueling Wing Advertisement Their importance to the US Air Force is demonstrated in the fact that they feature unique capabilities which cannot be copied by any other US Air Force aircraft. They are capable of withstanding nuclear blasts, cyberattacks and electromagnetic effects, and are equipped to fire retaliatory missiles. Read the latest on the conflict between Israel and Iran The aircraft also has thermal and nuclear shielding and can communicate with anyone anywhere in the world, thanks to the 67 satellite dishes and antennas contained in its ray dome. Advertisement They are designed to remain airborne and operate in-flight for an entire week without needing to land and can also refuel in mid-air. 7 The E-4B plane's relocation comes as President Trump is reportedly weighing a strike against Iran. AFP via Getty Images 7 Smoke coming from an Israeli airstrike in Tehran on June 16, 2025. BERNO/SIPA/Shutterstock The longest an E-4B has been known to stay in the air is 35.4 hours. With 18 bunks, a briefing room, teamwork area, conference room, command room, and designated rest area spread across three decks, the aircraft is designed to be a 'Flying Pentagon' in the event of a national emergency. President George W. Bush's Secretary of Defense, Donald Rumsfeld, used the E-4B as his primary mode of transportation. 7 Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth speaking with members of an E-4B Nightwatch crew on March 26, 2025. Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs The mission may be linked to increased presidential security amid soaring tensions in the Middle East, some observers suggested. Advertisement The US Air Force is in the process of replacing its fleet of E-4B Nightwatch aircraft. Last April, a $13 billion contract was signed with Sierra Nevada Corporation to develop a replacement for the aircraft, the Aviationist reported. It comes as President Trump demanded Iran's 'unconditional surrender' as the conflict between the Iranian regime and Israel intensified. 7 The fleet of four E-4B planes make regular flights to maintain readiness. 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs Advertisement Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, rejected President Trump's calls on Wednesday, despite the latest airstrikes on Tehran forcing thousands to flee the Iranian capital. At least 224 people have been killed in Iran since Israel launched its bombing campaign on the Islamist regime last week. Two Iranian governmental aircraft left the country's airspace on Wednesday bound for Oman, FlightRadar data shows. This sparked speculation that the senior Iranian leadership were either fleeing their besieged country, or that emergency peace talks were set to take place in the Omani capital, Muscat.
Miami Herald
3 days ago
- General
- Miami Herald
Air India Flight From Ahmedabad to London Canceled Days After Fatal Crash
An Air India flight from Ahmedabad to London has been canceled days after the fatal crash that killed 241 people on board. There was no official comment on the cause of the cancellation, but Indian news channel CNN News18 reported it was due to "technical issues." The canceled plane for was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner-the same type of aircraft as the one that crashed last week, according to data from FlightRadar. Tuesday's incident comes five days after the Air India crash in Ahmedabad, when a London-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed minutes after taking off. The crash killed 241 people on board and a further 29 on the ground in what was one of India's worst ever aviation disaster. Investigators are studying the two black boxes recovered from the crash site. Experts from India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau are probing the crash with assistance from the U.K., the U.S. and officials from Boeing. In a separate incident on Monday, an Air India pilot turned back his Delhi-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner to Hong Kong airport as a precaution shortly after taking off, citing a technical issue, Indian media reported. Flight tracking data showed the pilot turning Flight AI315 around less than 30 minutes into the flight from Hong Kong as reported by Indian news agencies IANS and ANI. Newsweek has contacted Air India for comment. The nature of the technical issue was not immediately clear. This is a breaking news story-more to follow. Related Articles New Air India Plane Crash Video Shows Survivor Emerging From FlamesAir India Pilot Turns Back Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner After Take-offSeven Killed As Helicopter Crashes in India: What To KnowSeat 11A and How Just One Man Could Survive Air India Plane Crash-by Expert 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
