E-4B National Airborne Operations Center (NAOC)

The E-4B National Airborne Operations Center (NAOC) program is dedicated to maintaining and enhancing the capabilities of the E-4B aircraft fleet, which functions as a crucial airborne operations center. The primary goal is to ensure that military and civilian leadership can effectively monitor and control national assets during various scenarios, including conflicts and natural disasters. This involves upgrading the aircraft's communication systems to support the National Military Command System (NMCS), ensuring a highly survivable command node.

A significant objective within this program is the modernization of the E-4B's communication systems through the Survivable Super High Frequency (SSHF) initiative. This effort aims to replace outdated components of the Jam-Resistant Secure Communications (JRSC) system to comply with Presidential Policy Directive (PPD)-35 and other national security directives. The SSHF project is structured into two increments, focusing on upgrading existing systems like the Ka-band and introducing new technologies such as Ku-band and X-band systems to maintain secure communications as infrastructure evolves.

Another key component of the E-4B NAOC program is the development of the Systems Integration Laboratory (SIL). This initiative seeks to create a test environment that mirrors the mission systems of the E-4B, facilitating connectivity with mission networks. The SIL will be developed in three blocks over several years, each focusing on different communication systems, from voice to data integration. This approach aims to streamline modernization efforts, reduce installation times, and ultimately increase Aircraft Availability (AA).

These efforts are managed by the Commercial Derivative Aircraft Division at Tinker AFB, with oversight from the Program Executive Officer for Presidential and Executive Airlift. The acquisition strategy involves a mix of engineering studies and development contracts, with production installations typically handled through Contractor Logistics Support contracts. These strategic efforts are designed to ensure that the E-4B fleet remains capable of fulfilling its critical national security roles well into the future.