Rolls-Royce wins US Air Force ‘doomsday plane’ contract as Boeing loses out

Proactive Investors – Rolls-Royce Holdings PLC (LON:RR) has been signed up to help build the next ‘nuke proof’ aeroplane for the United States Air Force to carry the President and top military leaders in the event of national emergencies.

The engine maker has joined a partnership led by mid-sized US defence contractor Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) for the US Air Force Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC) programme.

The SAOC aircraft provides the POTUS, defence secretary and other military leaders with a survivable command, control, and communications platform to direct US forces during national emergencies.

It is a “multi-billion-dollar award” for SNC, which will oversee the delivery of a modern replacement for the USAF’s current fleet of E-4B ‘Nightwatch’ aircraft (pictured), made by Boeing (NYSE:BA).

It is one of the largest aircraft modernisation contracts awarded to a company other than the original aircraft manufacturer (OEM), SNC said, which “indicates a new acquisition approach that prioritizes open systems which fosters innovation, speed and cost competitiveness”.

“We are proud to pair our proven pedigree with the collective expertise of SNC and the rest of the SAOC team to ensure our military leaders have the platform to protect our national security when it matters most,” said Rolls defence chief Adam Riddle, who is also CEO of Rolls Royce North America.