American Doomsday plane landed in Europe

On Tuesday, the US moved one of its doomsday plans, also known as doomsday planes, to Europe. The E-6B Mercury machine landed in Iceland, the US European command said on Twitter. The machine is likely to be used there as part of an exercise in the Arctic.

The E-6B Mercury is a very special aircraft. It has been in service with the US military since 1989. The Americans own the only 16 Mercury aircraft in the world.

But the E-6B is not a fighter jet. Rather, it serves as a command and control aircraft. It’s a flying control center. From the E-6B, the US Navy can communicate with the Navy’s nuclear submarines. These are equipped with ICBMs. The nuclear missiles can even be activated remotely from the E-6B. The aircraft is also equipped with an Airborne Launch Control System (ALCS). This means that ICBMs can be launched on land as well as submarines. The entire arsenal of weapons in the United States can also be controlled from the command center.

Command Center for the President

Another special feature of the aircraft is the long flight time. Under ideal conditions, the machine can stay in the air for up to 72 hours without having to refuel. In comparison, the currently longest passenger flight in the world between Singapore and New York takes 19 hours.

In an emergency, the E-6B Mercury can also be used as a command center for the US President. In addition, the plane does not have to land to refuel. Instead, a special refueling aircraft can be used for mid-air refueling.

To ensure that the Mercury cannot be easily detected by enemy radar systems, it is equipped with analog flight and navigation instruments. The pilots are therefore not dependent on a radar connection. In addition, the aircraft can operate at altitudes of 40,000 feet (just over 12,000 meters) and above.

In the plane there are different areas. These include a control room, a communications room, and briefing and conference rooms. The Mercury can accommodate up to 112 people.

Russia also has command aircraft

In addition to the E-6B, there is also the older model, the E-4B, which is still in service today. It has a similar structure to its younger sister model. According to “Firstpost” magazine, an E-4B is already stationed at Joint Base Andrews military airport, the home airport of the US president. When the president is on official trips outside of North America, an E-4B will be stationed near the destination. In an emergency situation, the president can be much better protected.

Over the years, the Mercury has been rebuilt time and time again. Since 2002 she has a modern glass tub. The radio systems were also renewed in 2004. According to the navy, the E-6B will remain in service until 2030. The successor is already being worked on diligently.

The E-6B was never actually used in an emergency. Even after the terrorist attack of 9/11, President George W. Bush (76) preferred to return to Washington on Air Force One.

Russia also has a flying command center. The Il-80, popularly known as the Maxdome, only has windows in the cockpit as a special feature. This is intended to reduce protection against nuclear radiation. President Vladimir Putin (70) also only uses the machine in emergencies. But because the device is older, the successor is also being worked on here. (zis)

Source: Blick