E-4B Aircraft Modernization
Abstract
The four (4) aircraft E-4B National Airborne Operations Center (NAOC) fleet satisfy the military need for an airborne operations center with communications capabilities that permit military and civilian leadership to monitor and control military and civil national assets during all phases of nuclear and non-nuclear conflict or natural disaster. The E-4B NAOC fleet also satisfies the military requirement to provide a highly survivable node of the National Military Command System (NMCS). This Program Element's (PE's) developmental modifications include, but are not limited to, upgrades and enhancements to aircraft structures, propulsion system, fuel system, environmental control system, electrical generation and distribution systems, flight safety and navigation systems (with their associated communications equipment), and the related aircraft operations center facilities, equipment, and communications necessary for the E-4B fleet to execute its mission. Additionally, funds may be used to explore modifications, upgrades, and future systems required to meet evolving mission requirements. Developmental modifications and studies/projects currently underway or planned for accomplishment under this program include: - The Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) Compatible Terminal/ Presidential National Voice Conferencing (PNVC) Program integrates externally provided AEHF Compatible Command Post Terminals and PNVC capability onto the E-4B NAOC platform. This integration is necessary to replace the legacy Military Strategic, Tactical and Relay (MILSTAR) terminal, and provide access to protected wideband AEHF satellite networks. PNVC replaces Survivable Emergency Conferencing Network (SECN), which will not be supported once the AEHF satellite network is in place. - The Low Frequency Transmit System (LFTS) program will replace the current Very Low Frequency/Low Frequency (VLF/LF) Transmit system that is on the E-4B. The current system has been on the E-4B for over 35 years and is past its useful life. This system must be replaced in order to meet existing National Security Presidential Directive (NSPD)-28 requirements and ensure there is constant and consistent connectivity to National Leaders and Forces in real world situations. The transmit system consists of three primary equipment groups: a Receiver/Transmitter group, a Power Amplifier-Coupler (PA-C) group, and a Trailing Wire Antenna (TWA) group. Activities also include studies and analysis to support both current program planning, execution, and future program planning. This program is in Budget Activity 7, Operational System Development, because these budget activities include development efforts to upgrade systems currently fielded or have received approval for full rate production and anticipate production funding in the current or subsequent fiscal year.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2015
- Source ID
- 674777_0302015F_7_3600_PB_2015
Related Documents
- Root: E-4B National Airborne Operations Center (NAOC)
- Child Accomplishment: Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) Compatible Terminal/PNVC
- Child Accomplishment: Low Frequency Transmit System (LFTS)