Footage of a Boeing E-4 Advanced Airborne Command Post, also known as the Doomsday plane that was built to survive nuclear blasts, has resurfaced.
The plane dates back to the Cold War and was reported to have recently taken off from Washington and was spotted flying over the English Channel.
According to reports, the aircraft was seen circling over an area north of Cambridge then seemed to head to RAF Mildenhall.
Footage from US Defense News's YouTube channel takes viewers on a tour of the plane that is said to be a command and control military aircraft, which is operated by the US Air Force.
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The clip shows a host of control rooms on the plane, with a voice over noting: "It was created so that in the event of a national emergency, or an unthinkable scenario such as a nuclear war, it couldn't be taken out by the enemy."
The plane is designed so it would still be able to operate even if control centres on the ground were destroyed.
The plane is said to be a specially modified Boeing 747-200b for the Emergency Airborne Command Post programme.
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It can refuel while in flight, and is reinforced so it is protected against the effect of an electromagnetic pulse.
The plane is a command post, namely for the president of the United States but also for the secretary of defence and successors.
The rare plane has three levels on board, and is equipped with analogue instruments, as well as more modern technology, to ensure it is protected against cyberattacks. The main function of the plane is to act as a military centre, supporting analysts and strategists in times of crisis.
However, the plane isn't quite indestructible, as one of the planes was previously damaged when a tornado hit one of the bases where the plane was held, leaving millions to be spent on repairs.
This left only one of the planes that was undergoing an overhaul in Texas the only operational plane for three months.
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When the plane is fully operational, it includes special features such as a five-mile-long trailing wire antenna that would help those on board stay in contact with nuclear submarine fleets if bases on land were destroyed, The Sun reports.
News of the plane taking flight comes as fears surrounding the use of nuclear weapons have risen in recent weeks, amid the on going war in Ukraine.
NATO countries are expected to meet today, 24 March, to discuss to providing Ukraine with equipment to protect against chemical, biological or nuclear attacks, The Guardian reports.
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Secretary general of the alliance Jens Stoltenberg said he expects 'allies will agree to provide additional support' to Ukraine, including 'equipment to help Ukraine protect against chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats'.
If you would like to donate to the Red Cross Emergency Appeal, which will help provide food, medicines and basic medical supplies, shelter and water to those in Ukraine, click here for more information
Shola Lee