Sierra Nevada Corporation to Modernize U.S.A.F.’s Survivable Airborne Operations Center Fleet

Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) has been chosen by the U.S. Air Force (U.S.A.F.) to modernize its Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC) fleet.

The contract, valued at multiple billions of dollars, mandates SNC to deliver a replacement for the current E-4B "Nightwatch" aircraft, which serve as airborne command centers during national emergencies.

This decision marks a departure from traditional acquisition methods, with the U.S.A.F. opting for open systems.

This is one of the largest aircraft modernization contracts granted to a company other than the original aircraft manufacturer (OEM). SNC, known for its open architecture (OA) solutions and mid-tier A&D prime contractor status, champions this approach.

Grounded in model-based systems engineering (MBSE), SNC aims to integrate leading technologies and reduce life cycle sustainment and modification schedules.

The project, which involves collaboration with industry leaders like Collins Aerospace and Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, is set to primarily take place at SNC's facilities in Dayton, Ohio, and Denver, Colorado.