The US military’s Boeing E-6B Mercury military aircraft, known as the “doomsday plane,” was seen for the second time in two months. The plane was photographed flying at a low altitude over Fresno, California.
“Elchi” reports that, according to the New York Post and The Daily Beast newspapers, the US Navy’s Boeing E-6B Mercury military aircraft, known as the “doomsday plane,” conducted approach and landing maneuvers in the region for approximately two hours as part of a training exercise.
Officially named the “National Airborne Operations Center,” the four-engine E-6B Mercury can stay airborne for approximately 12 hours and refuel in mid-air. Thanks to these features, it can serve as an airborne command center for the Pentagon in crisis situations.
Valued at approximately $141 million, the aircraft is specifically designed for nuclear attack scenarios. It functions as an alternative command center capable of directing US military operations if ground-based command centers are incapacitated. Retired US Air Force Major General Clay Garrison, evaluating the aircraft’s capabilities, stated, “They can control bombers. If they are ready, they can also control missiles and ballistic missile submarines.”
It is reported that the aircraft can command ballistic missile submarines, strategic bombers, and nuclear missiles.
Earlier this year, the appearance of a similar “doomsday plane” at Los Angeles International Airport also attracted attention. At that time, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had to alleviate public concerns. The reappearance of the E-6B Mercury aircraft is noteworthy as it occurred amidst the US-Israel conflict.
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