A modified Boeing 747 operated by the U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command will make its first-ever visit to EAA AirVenture this July, EAA has announced. The aircraft, designated an E-4B Advanced Airborne Command Post, is designed for use by the National Command Authority, which comprises the president and the secretary of defense. “A lot of people don’t know about this plane,” said Lt. Col. Mike Brazelton, aircraft commander. “In fact, when I applied to come here, I didn’t even know about it. For the public to see something like this at an airshow, I think, is pretty awesome.” The USAF operates four E-4B aircraft, and at least one of them is on alert at all times.
If ground command and control centers were destroyed, the aircraft would provide a “highly survivable” command, control and communications center for up to 112 people, to “direct U.S. forces [and] execute emergency war orders,” according to the U.S. Air Force. The aircraft is capable of inflight refueling and is shielded against “nuclear and thermal effects.” The E-4B also provides travel support for trips outside of the U.S. for the secretary of defense and his staff. The airplane is scheduled to fly three passes above the crowd. EAA spokesman Dick Knapinski confirmed to AVweb on Tuesday that as far as he knows, there is no plan for a static dispay: “Fly-bys only.”
