Scale: 1/200
Wingspan: 12"
Length: 14"
Code: CE4BTP

Two of the original 747-200 airframes were originally planned to be commercial airliners. When the airline did not complete the order, Boeing offered the airframes to the USAF as part of a package leading to a replacement aircraft for the then used NEACP EC-135J model. Under the 481B NEACP (National Emergency Airborne Command Post) program the Air Force Electronic Systems Division awarded Boeing a contract in February 1973 for two unequipped aircraft, E-4A and powered by four JT9D engines, to which a third aircraft was added in July 1973.

The first E-4A was completed at the Boeing plant outside Seattle, Washington in 1973. E-Systems won the contract to install interim equipment in these three aircraft, and the first completed E-4A was delivered to Andrews AFB, Maryland in December 1974. The next two were delivered in 1975, the third differed by being powered by the GE F103 engine, which was later made standard and retrofitted to the previous two aircraft. The "A" model effectively housed the same equipment as the EC-135, but offered more space and an ability to remain aloft longer than an EC-135.

Additionally the E-4 was capable of operating the "Looking Glass" mission of the Strategic Air Command (SAC). The E-4A aircraft were capable of remotely launching retaliatory strikes from SAC missile fields. SAC subsequently relinquished the aircraft to full time use by the Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.