Industry Day meetings focus on new home for Doomsday Planes

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Northwestern Division – Omaha District, convened an in-person Industry Day meeting on Thursday to brief defense contractors and suppliers on upcoming projects critical to modernizing U.S. Air Force capabilities. The event focused on the Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC) Program and the construction of a 2-Bay Maintenance Hangar and taxiway at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb.

Modernizing Airborne Command and Control

The SAOC Program aims to replace the Air Force’s aging E-4B “Nightwatch” aircraft with a next-generation E-4C model. These aircraft serve as airborne command centers, ensuring uninterrupted command, control, and communication for U.S. national security leaders, including the President, during emergencies.

The Industry Day meeting this week provided prime contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers with insights into the SAOC Program’s technical requirements and timelines. Participants also discussed opportunities to contribute to the program, which will involve designing and manufacturing advanced systems for the new aircraft.

2-Bay Hangar Construction at Offutt

A key supporting project is the construction of a 280,200-square-foot hangar at Offutt Air Force Base to service the E-4B and future E-4C aircraft. The facility will house two fully enclosed Boeing 747-8i aircraft, along with an Aircraft Maintenance Unit, 8,000 square feet of tool storage, and 8,000 square feet of logistics support space.

Construction will include a reinforced concrete foundation, steel high-bay structure, standing-seam metal roof, dual bridge crane systems, motorized hangar doors, and fire suppression systems. Ancillary facilities will feature administrative offices, locker rooms with showers, break areas, and emergency safety stations. The project also involves taxiway improvements to enhance operational efficiency.

Recent Contract Extension for E-4B Fleet

In related news, the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center at Tinker Air Force Base extended Boeing’s Contractor Logistics Support contract for the E-4B fleet through 2033. Valued at $2.7 billion, the agreement spans ten one-year ordering periods with a potential six-month extension. It ensures maintenance and operational readiness of the existing E-4B aircraft while the SAOC Program advances.