Boeing, one of the leading aerospace manufacturers, has been eliminated from the competition to build the Air Force’s next-generation E-4B Nightwatch “Doomsday” plane replacement. This news comes as Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) emerges as the sole remaining competitor for the contract.
Boeing confirmed that their bid is no longer under consideration by the Air Force. The company expressed confidence in their proposal, stating that it is the most comprehensive, technically mature, and lowest-risk solution. However, the inability to reach an agreement on data rights or contract terms played a significant role in Boeing’s elimination.
Furthermore, Boeing executives have recently been hesitant to sign any new fixed-price development contracts due to substantial losses suffered in the past. This reluctance greatly impacted the negotiations with the Air Force.
The Air Force spokesperson could not disclose specific program details as they are classified, but it is known that Boeing currently constructs the E-4B, a modified 747 aircraft that serves as the primary mode of transportation for the Defense Secretary and also functions as an airborne command center.
Nevertheless, the Air Force’s fiscal 2024 budget includes a substantial increase in funding for the SAOC (Survivable Airborne Operations Center) replacement effort. The award for the replacement plane is slated for 2024, and SNC is now the only publicly known competitor remaining in the race.
It is worth noting that other companies, such as L3Harris, have also expressed opposition to fixed-price development contracts. Negotiations between industry players and the government on data rights are often points of contention when it comes to programs of this nature.
Boeing’s sustainment arm, Boeing Global Services, remains profitable and caters to both commercial and defense contracts. The company has always shown a commitment to working closely with their customers to provide operational solutions.
As the competition for the Air Force’s next-generation E-4B Nightwatch “Doomsday” plane replacement intensifies, all eyes are now on Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) as the sole remaining contender. The outcome of this contract award will undoubtedly shape the future of airborne command centers and the Defense Secretary’s mode of transportation.
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