The U.S. Navy has recently taken delivery of its first modernized and distinctive Northrop
Grumman E-6B aircraft, commonly referred to as the "Doomsday" plane.
This "Mercury" aircraft serves as a vital communication link between the nation's nuclear
submarine fleet and the President.
The delivery of the aircraft is a critical part of a larger contract valued at $111 million
awarded to Northrop Grumman.
The objective of this contract is to ensure the long-term and sustainable operational
efficiency of these aircraft.
After departing from the company's facility in Louisiana, the aircraft was transported
to its new station at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma.
In this video, Defense Updates analyses why delivery of upgraded E-6B aircraft by Northrop
Grumman to the U.S. Navy is a major step?
Let's get started.
Northrop Grumman in its release on June 6, 2023, summarized the delivery in 3 points
1.
Northrop Grumman successfully delivers the first E-6B Mercury Aircraft under the Integrated
Maintenance and Modification Contract (IMMC) back to the Navy in record time.
2.
Northrop Grumman’s technology-infused approach to modernization completed the first modification
effort in approximately one year, clearing a path to reducing the span of future modifications
to six months.
3.
Five kits were successfully integrated onto the E-6B platform, implementing efficiencies
and improving aircraft command, control and communications functions.
Viewers may note that the $111 million contract provides several major modifications – called
Block II – to improve the aircraft’s command, control and communications functions connecting
the National Command Authority with U.S. strategic and non-strategic forces.
The upgrade is expected to enhance the nuclear deterrence capabilities of the US Navy and
ensure a vital link between the nation's nuclear arsenal and the President.
This reinforcement will help maintain readiness in the event of potential attacks.
Under its IMMC with the US Navy, it will overhaul 12 E-6B Mercury aircraft by 2027.
Over the past year, Northrop Grumman Corp. carried out the upgrades at its Aircraft Maintenance
and Fabrication Center located in Lake Charles.
Northrop Grumman has also officially confirmed that the second aircraft designated for upgrades
has arrived at the Lake Charles facility as scheduled.
According to the statement released by the company, the modernization process has commenced.
USA’s strategic nuclear Triad includes SLBM-armed Ohio SSBN, U.S. Air Force’s intercontinental
ballistic missiles (ICBM), and nuclear-capable bombers like B-52
Ohio class is the most survivable leg of the triad and the ultimate nuclear deterrence.
The 14 Ballistic Missile Submarines of Ohio class together carry approximately 50% of
the total US active inventory of strategic thermonuclear warheads.
Ohio-class can carry 24 Trident II SLBM and each Trident II can carry up to 14 W88 (475
kt) warheads or 14 W76 (100 kt) warheads.
E-6B can communicate with these subs even when they are submerged.
The aircraft also can remotely control Minuteman ICBMs using the Airborne Launch Control System.
So, the E-6B plays a crucial role in the overall deterrent capability as it serves as a backup
option for remote missile launch in the event that other command and control nodes are compromised
by a preemptive strike.
The E-6 Mercury (formerly Hermes) is an airborne command post and communications relay based
on the Boeing 707-300.
The original E-6A manufactured by Boeing's defense division entered service with the
United States Navy in July 1989, replacing the EC-130Q.
The E-6B is an upgrade of the E-6A
As per the US Navy, the E-6B fleet is operated by Navy Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadrons
3 and 4 under the umbrella of Strategic Communications Wing One.
These squadrons fly the E-6B aircraft from Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma.
Operating under the vital Take Charge and Move Out (TACAMO) strategic communications
mission, the E-6B utilizes a broad frequency range to securely transmit and receive voice
and data information.
This aircraft ensures the provision of resilient, dependable, and long-lasting airborne command,
control, and communications support for the President, Secretary of Defense, and the United
States Strategic Command.
Bob Stailey, the E-6B deputy program manager for the Airborne Strategic Command, Control,
and Communications Program Office (PMA-271), which awarded and manages the maintenance
contract, said, “The delivery of the first IMMC aircraft
is a monumental achievement.
We are delivering enhanced capabilities to the fleet quicker and ensuring they have the
tools to successfully execute this critical mission for years to come.”
Capt.
Adam Scott, PMA-271 program manager said, “An incredible amount of work went into
this aircraft, which can now perform its nuclear deterrence mission better than ever.
During the past year, the team that fielded this capability worked tirelessly to implement
improvements to deliver the Block II capability with urgency.”
Scott Pfeiffer, Vice President of Platform Sustainment and Mission Readiness at Northrop
Grumman, emphasized in a recent statement that the company is leveraging state-of-the-art
technology throughout the modernization process.
In collaboration with the Navy, Northrop Grumman is making significant progress towards meeting
the contract's required turnaround time of six months by implementing process improvements
across engineering, scheduling, management, and production.
This marks the first instance where a single company is responsible for the entire installation,
leading to reduced bureaucracy and improved efficiency.
This initiative is in line with the Navy's goal of establishing resilient, reliable,
and long-lasting airborne command, control, and communications capabilities between the
National Command Authority (NCA) and both strategic and non-strategic forces.
The aim is to ensure uninterrupted mission readiness at all times.
With one upgraded E-6B delivered, US Navy is one step closer to the goal.