Four 747-8I jets will be converted into E-4C aircraft to replace the E-4B NAOC fleet

Sierra Nevada beat Boeing to replace the Air Force's E-4B Nightwatch. The task, however, of developing a new airborne survival operations center will not be simple.

Sierra Nevada Corporation was awarded with a contract to develop platform for new Survival Airborne Operations Center (SAOC)

The company reportedly disagreed with the terms of the contract after winning the KC-46A and new Air Force One programs, which have fixed-price values. Sierra Nevada Corporation remains sole participant