AWACS

The E-3 Sentry is an airborne warning and control system (AWACS) aircraft that provides all-weather surveillance, command, control and communications needed by commanders of U.S. and NATO air defense forces. As proven in Desert Storm, it is the premier air battle command and control aircraft in the world today. The E-3 Sentry is a modified Boeing 707/320 commercial airframe with a rotating radar dome. The dome is 30 feet (9.1 meters) in diameter, six feet (1.8 meters) thick, and is held 11 feet (3.3 meters) above the fuselage by two struts. It contains a radar subsystem that permits surveillance from the Earth's surface up into the stratosphere, over land or water. The radar has a range of more than 200 miles (320 kilometers) for low-flying targets and farther for aerospace vehicles flying at medium to high altitudes. The radar combined with an identification friend or foe subsystem can look down to detect, identify and track enemy and friendly low-flying aircraft by eliminating ground clutter returns that confuse other radar systems. (U.S. Air Force photo)

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The Contrails: Aircraft, Weapons Systems: E-3B/C/G Sentry (AWACS)

Published Sept. 1, 2016
U.S. Air Force Public Affairs

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- The E-3B/C/G Sentry (AWACS)

Manufacturer: Boeing, Northrup Grumman, Lockheed Martin

Function: Airborne

Battle Management, Command And Control ervice Date: 1975

Speed: 360 mph

Crew: 17-23

Production: 34

Inventory: 32

Commentary: Heavily modified Boeing 707-320B aircraft, fitted with an extensive complement of mission avionics providing all-weather air surveillance and command,
control, and communications for tactical and air defense forces.