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The U.S. Air Force selected Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) for the Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC), a program to develop and produce a replacement for its E-4B Nightwatch fleet. The Department of Defense’s April 26, 2024 award notice values the contract at $13,080,890,647. It records two offers but does not identify the other bidder, so the official notice alone does not establish that SNC beat Boeing.
What is the new “doomsday plane”?
“Doomsday plane” is a colloquial label, not the program’s official name. The Air Force program is the Survivable Airborne Operations Center, or SAOC. It is intended to replace and modernize the Air Force’s current E-4B Nightwatch fleet, according to SNC’s May 22, 2024 announcement.
What did the Air Force award SNC?
The Department of Defense’s April 26, 2024 contract notice lists a contract valued at $13,080,890,647. It uses a mix of cost-plus-incentive-fee, fixed-price incentive (firm-target), and cost-plus-fixed-fee contract types.
The notice says the award covers development and production of the SAOC weapon system, including engineering and manufacturing development aircraft, associated ground systems, production aircraft, and interim contractor support. The work was expected to be completed by July 10, 2036.
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- Experience the legendary F-14 Tomcat through a highly detailed model designed for aviation collectors and hobby enthusiasts. The finished model becomes a striking desktop or showcase centerpiece.
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Why is the award described as a Boeing loss?
The official award record says the acquisition was competitive and that two offers were received, but it does not name the other offeror. That record therefore confirms SNC’s award and the number of offers—not that Boeing submitted the competing offer or why it may have lost. No bidder-by-bidder proposal comparison can be established from the cited award notice.
Is $59 million the total cost?
No. The $59,000,000 cited in the award notice was fiscal year 2024 research, development, test, and evaluation funding obligated at the time of award. It is an initial obligation, not the stated total contract value of $13,080,890,647.
Rank #2
- Revell Model Kit #85-5810, Skill Level 4, Contains 66-Parts, Recommended for ages 12 and up
- Accurate surface details
- Includes GTD-21 surveillance drone with cart
- Decals with authentic U.S. Air Force markings
- Molded in black and clear. Paint and glue required(not included).
What is the latest aircraft milestone in these announcements?
SNC reported that a fourth 747-8i arrived at its Aviation Innovation and Technology Center on April 30, 2025. That is a company-reported milestone; it should not be read as a government acceptance or delivery date. See SNC’s announcement.
Quick Recap
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- Revell Plastic Model Airplane Kit #85-5512 is skill level 4 and contains 147 parts. Recommended for ages 12 and up.
- 1:48 scale model, Length 14-1/4", Wingspan 16.75"
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Rank #3
- MODEL AIRPLANE TOY – Build and explore a fun LEGO Technic Bush Plane toy with a spinning propeller, adjustable ailerons and 4-cylinder piston engine
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