As part of the U.S. Air Force’s Survivable Airborne Operations Center contract, Wichita State University is partnering with SNC to modernize and deliver a new fleet of “Nightwatch” aircraft — the airborne command center for the president of the United States, secretary of defense and chairs of the joint chiefs of staff, ensuring continued critical command, control and communication during national emergencies.
It is a critical program that will ensure that the United States is adequately prepared for unfaltering communication during a national emergency.
The contract between WSU’s National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) and SNC, a global aerospace and national security company, is the most significant industry contract in the history of the university.
Approximately 400 Wichita State students and staff are expected to work on this project, which will be conducted at NIAR’s Maintenance Repair and Overhaul facility and the Partnership 2 building on WSU’s Innovation Campus.
NIAR’s global experience in composites and advanced materials, digital twin, advanced manufacturing technologies and certification are uniquely positioned to meet the goals of this project to enhance SNC’s ability to deliver a cutting-edge, innovative solution to the USAF. The fleet of aircraft being modernized first entered service in 1974.
One of two 747-8i aircraft recently arrived in Wichita from SNC’s Aviation Innovation and Technology Center in Dayton, Ohio.