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'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), Flight deck simulator, and Systems Integration Lab. Additionally, modifications may enhance the aircraft's operations center facilities, to include but not limited to those necessary for the Senior Leadership Command, Control and Communications System (SL3CS), National Leadership Command Capability (NLCC), Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications (NC3) and other communications necessary for the E-4B fleet to execute its mission. Funds may also be used to explore and develop modifications, upgrades, and future systems required to meet evolving mission requirements. This budget supports the following developmental modifications and studies/projects currently underway or planned for accomplishment: - The Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) Compatible Terminal/ Presidential National Voice Conferencing (PNVC) Program integrates 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. FY20 was the last year of funding for this program. - The Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) program upgrades the E-4B's Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) Radio transmitters to be MUOS capable to meet E-4B Capability Development Document (CDD) and CJCSI 6250.01F requirements. MUOS provides securable data and full duplex voice communications while simultaneously monitoring a second frequency. The MUOS upgrade will provide interoperability with MUOS waveforms for voice and data communications and with other nuclear and national C2 centers and aircraft by replacing the legacy USC-42 UHF SATCOM radios with a MUOS capable radio. FY22 is the last year of funding for this program. - Survivable Super High Frequency (SSHF) will upgrade and replace portions of the E-4B's Jam-Resistant Secure Communications (JRSC) system to meet existing Presidential Policy Directive (PPD)-35 and National Security Presidential Directive (NSPD)-51/Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD)-20 requirements and to ensure continued connectivity and interoperability as satellite and communications infrastructure evolves. Expected modifications include, but are not limited to, component and sub-system upgrades and replacement of portions of the current SHF system that are obsolete or near end of service life. A replacement to the SHF system is required as secure, survivable communications capability transitions from the Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS). A risk-reduction study was completed in FY19 to further define the acquisition strategy of the SSHF program. The program will be acquired in 2 increments: Increment 1 will include technical solutions such as upgrading the existing modems, systems integration lab, and Ka-band system. Increment 2 will include new modem technology, new Ku-band system, common workstation, and upgrades to the X-band system. - E-4B Full Motion Flight Deck Simulator program will develop an E-4B full motion 747-200 flight crew simulator, configured to represent the E-4B cockpit configuration for the pilot and flight engineer stations and be representative of day and night aerial refueling with simulation of fuel on-load characteristics. This capability will fill a critical training gap for pilots and flight engineers once the already limited current training options are decommissioned (Sep 24). This training capability shortfall will directly impact E-4B flight operations and aircraft availability as use of the aircraft for this purpose reduces already limited aircraft availability required for operational missions resulting in insufficient flight time for pilots to maintain certifications. FY20 new start approved in Sep 20. FY22 is last year of funding for this program. The Low Frequency Transmit System (LFTS) program replaces the E-4B's legacy Very Low Frequency/Low Frequency (VLF/LF) Transmit System, which is over 35 years old and is past its useful life. This capability is required to comply with Presidential Policy Directive (PPD)-35 to ensure there is assured connectivity between civilian and military leadership and military forces during all stages of conflict and/or national emergencies. 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. The LFTS System requires a trainer to allow the users to become proficient in operating the system and to certify all operators. This program element may include necessary emergent or unanticipated civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver E-4B weapon system capability for emergent or unanticipated weapon system capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605831F. 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.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2022
• Source ID: 674777_0302015F_7_3600_PB_2022

Tags

Readers

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

Technology Areas

• Space