The E-3 Sentry serves as an airborne warning and control system (AWACS) aircraft. The E-3 can operate in all weather conditions and is capable of providing commad and communications to coordinate attacks or defense. During operation desert storm the E-3 was proven to be one of the best control airraft in the world.
The airframe of the E-3 is basically a modified Boeing 707 commercial airframe. The mian change in the airframe is the 30 foot rotating radar dome on the top of the plane. The dome itself is six feet thick and is 11 feet above the main body of the plane. The radar system itself has the ability to detect airplanes as far up as the stratosphere and a range of over 200 miles (320 km) for low-flying targets while the radar has an even longer range for targets flying at higher altitudes. The radar can also filter out ground clutter so it can detect low-flying aircraft.
The E-3 uses its powerfull radar and other systems to gather information about the entire battlefield. The E-3 can detect and track enemy aircraft and ships while also keeping the location of freindly forces. This information is sent to freindly contol centers all over the battlefield. This information is sent to aid in reconaissance, interdiduction, and close air support. Also it aids in the defensive role by detecting enemy aircraft then sending freindly aircraft to intercept them.
The E-3 has proven to be more effective then the standerd ground based radar mostly because of it's abilty to quikly change directions and because having the radar up in the air increases the range by decreasing the number of obstacles in the path of the radar.
The E-3 can be in the air for over 11 hours without stoppind to refuel. As well as the E-3's role in military operations the Sentry is also used to detect and stop smuggling operations into the United States.
Development of the first E-3 began in October 1975. The first E-3s were received in March 1977. E-3s were assigned to the 552nd ACW. NATO uses 18 E-3 Sentries. The United Kingdom has also recieved 7 E-3s and France has 4. E-3s have been used extensivly during operation Desert Storm and Operation Desert Shield. During the course of Desert Storm the E-3s flew more than 400 missions and spent over 5,000 ours in the air. Also the E-3s assisted in all but two of the air to air kills during the conflict.
| Primary Function: | Serves as an airborne surveillance, command, and communications aircraft |
|---|---|
| Crew: | four pilots as well as between 13 to 19 specialists to control the radar |
| Manufacterur: | Boeing Aerospace Co. |
| Engines: | Four Pratt and Whitney TF33-PW-100A turbofan engines |
| Thrust: | 21,000 pounds (9,450 kg) of static thrust each |
| Length: | 145.5 feet (44 meters) |
| Wingspan: | 130.9 (39.7 meters) |
| Height: | 41.3 feet (12.5 meters) |
| Radar Dome: Thickness: Height above the fuselage: | 30 feet (9.1 meters) 6 feet thick (1.8 meters) 11 feet (3.33 meters) |
| Cruising speed: | 360 mph (Mach 0.48) |
| Ceiling: | Over 29,000 feet (8,788 meters) |
| Max. Takeoff Weight: | 347,000 pounds (156,150 Kg) |
| Endurance time: | Over 11 hours |
| Cost: | 180 million dollars |
| Deployment Date: | March 1977 |
| Inventory: Reserve: Active force: | 0 0 29 |
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