The Boeing E-6 Mercury, the U.S. Navy’s airborne command post and communications relay, recently landed in Scotland.
The E-6 Mercury is a modified version of the Boeing 707-300, known for its pivotal role in communicating instructions from the National Command Authority to fleet ballistic missile submarines – a mission aptly dubbed TACAMO (“Take Charge And Move Out”).
Since entering service in July 1989, the E-6 Mercury has proven its worth, notably by replacing the EC-130Q. The aircraft has been enhanced over the years, with the E-6B variant offering the capability to remotely control Minuteman Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs) through the Airborne Launch Control System.
A Boeing E-6 Mercury, America's airborne nuclear command post, has landed in Scotland. The aircraft is known for its ability to remotely launch intercontinental ballistic missiles. pic.twitter.com/0cVyWhyKp3
— George Allison (@geoallison) July 17, 2023
The E-6B is also equipped with battle staff positions and other specialised equipment, a critical addition that led to it taking over from the Air Force EC-135Cs in the Looking Glass role. This role involves providing command and control of U.S. nuclear forces in situations where ground-based control is compromised.
The E-6B’s strategic importance is exemplified by its main mission: to connect the national command authority with the U.S. Navy’s nuclear missile force aboard at-sea ballistic missile submarines. Moreover, the aircraft carries a very low-frequency communication system with dual trailing wire antennas, bolstering its communication capabilities.
The E-6B also serves as the essential communication link between the National Command Authority and the three prongs of the U.S. nuclear arsenal: Ohio-class nuclear submarines, nuclear-tipped intercontinental ballistic missiles, and strategic bomber forces. Known as the TACAMO role, the E-6B ensures secure and reliable communication across these systems.
The US ALCS system always seemed a bit worrying to me, the ability to remotely launch 400 ICBM’s with no human input seems somewhat extreme.
The current system is un hackable primarily because the computers are so old and basic there is no one left alive that could write any malicious code however that will all change with Sentinal.
Given the effectiveness and survivability of SLBM’s it’s worth asking serious questions about land based ICBM’s. Are they worth the cost and risk?
Number one nuclear risk to the USA in a nuclear war would be the radiation caused by dust clouds from Chinese or Russian ground strikes on land based ICBM’s.
What’s the difference between that and the E4B? 747-200 that was over at the Hall last week following the POTUS around to England and the NATO conference.
I wonder whether they have launch authority, or at least contact, with our boats should it all go tits up and we lose our Command.
The Americans do not have launch authority for our boats, although I’m sure they probably could contact them. In the case of the UK chain of command being wiped out the launch authority sits with the commander of the Tident boat. Having checked that the UK is no more they open the letter of last resort from the Prime Minister which is kept on board. Having read that they act on whatever is written in that letter as they see fit. It’s possible that the letter says ‘put yourself under the command of the Americans’ or it might say something completely different. But in that totally nightmarish scenario it is actually down to the commander of the boat.
Thank you for your reply.
I’m aware of current, public, procedures.