Donald Trump’s ‘doomsday plane’ made a rare appearance for the first time in 51 years as it flew over parts of the US and landed at a Los Angeles airport.
Air Force One was seen moving from its longtime base in Nebraska to Maryland, near Washington.
It was also spotted landing at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on January 8, 2025, when it brought Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to Southern California as part of his month-long ‘Arsenal of Freedom’ tour.
Although the plane’s main purpose is to play a role in worst-case scenarios, it also transports the Secretary of Defence on international trips.
The spotting of the plane has sparked concerns over an impending apocalypse or national emergency.
One X user, who was alarmed, posted: ‘WAR IMMINENT?’, while another person shared: ‘Is LA about to get nuked. Should I leave?’
Another X user even questioned the platform’s chatbot, Grok, about what the sighting means.
The chatbot responded: ‘The Boeing E-4B ‘Nightwatch,’ aka Doomsday Plane, is a US Air Force flying command centre for leaders during crises like nuclear war.
‘It’s rare sighting at LAX (possibly the first in 51 years) might be for maintenance, training, or transit—official reasons aren’t public yet.
‘Cool aviation spot, but likely routine.’
The plane is also known as the ‘flying Oval Office’ as it is built to function as an airborne command centre during a nuclear conflict or national emergency.
What is the ‘doomsday plane’?
The Boeing E-4B Nightwatch is a heavily modified Boeing 747 made to ensure the continuity of governance during extreme emergencies.
If ground-based command centres are destroyed or rendered unusable, the aircraft is capable of supporting the US President, senior defence officials and military leadership.
Unlike other presidential aircraft, the ‘Doomsday plane’ is known for its endurance and survivability as it is designed to operate even after nuclear detonations.
The plane’s systems are hardened against electromagnetic pulses that could otherwise cripple electronics and communications.
It is also visually distinctive, featuring a prominent dome atop its fuselage that enables mid-air refuelling, allowing it to remain airborne for extended periods.
Also on top of the plane is a bulge called the ray dome, which contains around 67 satellite dishes and antennas for the aircraft’s communications.
More than 100 personnel can be accommodated on the plane, which has briefing rooms, command centres and secure communication hubs.
Business Insider reported that it costs $159,529 per hour to operate, making it the Air Force’s most expensive plane.
In 2022, the Air Force debuted a $9.5 million plane simulator to train pilots, flight engineers and other crew members to operate the aircraft, according to the US Strategic Command.
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