E-4B National Airborne Operations Center (NAOC)

The E-4B National Airborne Operations Center (NAOC) falls under the Research, Development, Test & Evaluation budget activity of the Air Force. The program aims to develop and implement modifications to the E-4B fleet to enhance its mission capabilities, including upgrades to aircraft structures, propulsion systems, fuel systems, environmental control systems, electrical generation and distribution systems, flight safety and navigation systems. Additionally, the program seeks to explore and develop modifications, upgrades, and future systems required to meet evolving mission requirements. Specific projects within this program include the Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) upgrade and the Survivable Super High Frequency (SSHF) system upgrade.

The E-4B Systems Integration Laboratory (SIL) program is a key component of this budget line item. It aims to develop a test environment configured to represent the mission systems of the E-4B with connectivity to mission networks and services. The SIL program will be developed in three blocks over FY24-FY27: Block 1 will focus on voice systems, Block 2 on data systems, and Block 3 will integrate the remaining communication systems. The program also includes necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The acquisition strategy for each specific modification differs based on the urgency of the requirement, definition of the capability, and technology readiness level of the components. Program management for all aircraft modifications is executed by the Commercial Derivative Aircraft Division at Tinker AFB, Oklahoma.