E-4B Aircraft Modernization

Abstract

The four (4) aircraft E-4B National Airborne Operations Center (NAOC) fleet satisfies the military need for an airborne operations center with communications capabilities permitting military and civilian leadership to monitor and control military and civil national assets during all phases of conflict (nuclear and non-nuclear) 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 the 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 Very Low Frequency/Low Frequency (VLF/LF) Transmit system currently installed on the E-4B. The current system is no longer sustainable after over 35 years of operation on the E-4B. In order to meet existing National Security Presidential Directive (NSPD)-28 requirements and ensure there is constant and consistent connectivity to civilian and military leadership and military forces during real world situations, this system must be replaced. The transmit system consists of three primary equipment groups: a Control/Monitor group, a Power Amplifier/Coupler (PA/C) group, and a Trailing Wire Antenna (TWA) group. - E-4B Recapitalization efforts include the assessment of aircraft alternatives to meet the required need date and ability to support the Nuclear Command, Control and Communications (NC3), Secretary of Defense travel, Continuity of Operations/Continuity of Government (COOP/COG), and other missions as identified in associated requirements documentation. Funds will be used for technology development strategy, test and evaluation strategy, systems engineering plan development, lifecycle management plan development, capabilities development, and other required documents leading up to a Milestone A decision. This program, E-4B Recapitalization, is a new start. Activities will include studies and analysis to support current program planning and execution, and planning for future programs. This program is in Budget Activity 7, Operational System Development because this budget activity includes development efforts to upgrade systems that have been fielded or have received approval for full rate production and anticipate production funding in the current or subsequent fiscal year. The FY2016 funding request was reduced by $1.241 million to account for the availability of prior execution balances.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2016
• Source ID: 674777_0302015F_7_3600_PB_2016

Tags

Readers

• Civilian Systems Systems Program Capability Development and Upgrade Support Activity Expense and Pay Management.
• Tactical Satellite Communications Systems Engineering.

Technology Areas

• Space