Boeing E-3 Sentry AWACS
Summary
| Category | Other aircraft |
| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| First flight | 9 February 1972 |
| Year of introduction | 1977 |
| Number produced | 68 units |
| Average unit price | $270 million |
Description
The E-3 Sentry is an AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) aircraft based on the structure of the Boeing 707. Its role is to monitor the airspace of an operational theater to coordinate communications and direct aerial operations.
This platform is now of crucial importance in conflicts. The E-3's main radar is located in the 9.14-meter diameter dome mounted above the fuselage. This AN/APY-1 or AN/APY-2 radar has a range of 320 km and can detect aircraft flying between sea level and the stratosphere. The AWACS equipment also allows for the detection of ships—both friendly and enemy—and keeps a record of all movements in the operational theater. The crew can directly guide fighter patrols to enemy targets.
The E-3s were widely used during Operation Desert Storm, accumulating over 5,000 flight hours to direct 120,000 aircraft sorties and supervise 38 of the 40 allied air victories. France owns four Sentry aircraft, known as E-3F.
Technical specifications
| Version: E-3C | |
|---|---|
| Crew | 2 pilots + 15 |
| Operational range | 9250 km (5748 mi) |
| Maximum speed | 853 km/h (530 mph) |
| Wing area | 283 m² (3046.2 sqft) |
| Wingspan | 44.4 m (145.8 ft) |
| Height | 12.6 m (41.3 ft) |
| Length | 46.6 m (153.0 ft) |
| Service ceiling | 10668 m (35000 ft) |
| Empty weight | 83915 kg (185001 lbs) |
| Max. takeoff weight | 147417 kg (324998 lbs) |
| Powerplant | 4 × turbojets Pratt & Whitney TF33-PW-100A delivering 9752 kgp |
Current operating countries
| Country | Units | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
United States | 31 | |
|
Saudi Arabia | 5 | |
|
France | 4 | |
|
Chile | 1 (+1) | |
Numbers in parentheses, e.g. '(+5)', indicate units ordered but not yet delivered.
All operators
Chile • France • United Kingdom • Saudi Arabia • United States
Photo of E-3 Sentry AWACS
