2023-12-02 01:45:49
© Reuters. A Boeing E-4B “Doomsday Plane” military aircraft takes off from a base in Maryland, USA 05/11/2022 REUTERS/Tom Brenner
Por Valerie Insinna and Mike Stone
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The U.S. Air Force has eliminated Boeing (NYSE:) from its competition to develop a successor to the E-4B Nightwatch, the company confirmed on Friday, shifting the race to building the next version of the aircraft known as the “Doomsday Plane” due to its ability to survive a nuclear war.
The decision leaves private defense company Sierra Nevada as the only one publicly competing for the contract to replace the fleet in use since the 1970s.
The Air Force declined to comment on whether other companies have submitted proposals.
“We cannot discuss active source selection and detailed program information is confidential,” a spokesperson said.
Two sources said Boeing — the current maker of the E-4B — and the Air Force have been unable to reach an agreement on data rights and contractual terms, with the U.S. manufacturer refusing to sign any fixed-price agreement that would forces it to pay costs above an agreed limit.
“We are approaching all new contract opportunities with additional discipline to ensure we can meet our commitments and support the long-term health of our business,” Boeing said in a statement.
Although it is generally used to transport the U.S. secretary of defense, the E-4B is designed as a mobile command post capable of withstanding nuclear explosions and electromagnetic effects, allowing U.S. leaders to issue orders to the military in the event of a national emergency. .
The E-4B is expected to reach the end of its useful life in the early 2030s.
(Reporting by Valerie Insinna and Mike Stone in Washington)
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