Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC)

The Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC) is an Air Force initiative designed to replace the aging E-4B fleet. Its primary goal is to establish a robust, survivable command and control center for key national leaders, including the President, the Secretary of Defense, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff. This center will be a vital component of the National Military Command System, ensuring continuity of operations during national emergencies or when ground command centers are compromised.

The SAOC program aims to develop a weapon system that integrates advanced Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications (NC3) capabilities. This involves system development, integration of Department of Defense and Air Force programs, testing activities, and product support. A key focus is on incorporating modern information technology infrastructure through a Modular Open System Approach to enhance secure communications and planning capabilities.

In fiscal years 2024 and 2025, efforts will concentrate on advancing Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) activities. These efforts include system engineering analysis, trade studies, requirement decomposition, functional analysis, and weapon system design. The program also plans to develop an Integrated Digital Environment to support lifecycle sustainment and ensure that all necessary infrastructure, tools, and training are in place for effective execution.

The acquisition strategy for SAOC involves entering at Milestone B with a competitive development contract that includes production and interim contractor support options. This approach requires the prime contractor to procure aircraft, standardize configurations, integrate mission systems, provide ground support systems, and conduct contract support operations until the Operations and Support Phase. The strategy is designed to ensure that SAOC remains sustainable and adaptable to future technological advancements while maintaining affordability.