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The Boeing E-3
Sentry is an AWACS (airborne warning and control
system) platform, used to detect and monitor an
enemy's air activity and to direct fighters in
engagement. AWACS operates as a mobile, airborne
command, control, communications and
intelligence headquarters,
capable of high or low level
surveillance.
The E-3
aircraft is a version of the Boeing 707-320B
Airliner, first flight July 15, 1954.The
prototype of the AWACS series the EC-137D
(71-1407) flew on February 5, 1972. The first
E-3A Sentry (73-1675) made its maiden flight on
October 31, 1975, and the first operational E-3A
was delivered to the 552nd AWC wing at Tinker
AFB, Oklahoma on March 24, 1977.
The Boeing
E-3C Sentry carrying a crew of 20 consisting of
pilot (aircraft commander), co-pilot, navigator,
flight engineer and 16 AWACS mission
specialists. The rear-cabin crew is under a
mission crew commander, and includes weapon
controllers, radar operators and communications
specialists. |
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Developing Nation: |
United States. |
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Task: |
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First Flight: |
- July 15, 1954
(Boeing 707).
- February 5,
1972 (EC-137D).
- October 31,
1975 (E-3A Sentry). |
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First Operational: |
March 24, 1977. |
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Crew: |
20. |
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Wing Span: |
44,42 m. |
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Length: |
46,61 m. |
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Height: |
12,73 m. |
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Engine (s): |
Pratt & Whitney
TF33-P-100/100A (4x). |
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Weight: |
77.996 kg. |
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Max.Take off weight: |
14.7420 kg. |
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Max. Speed: |
853 km/h. |
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Max. Range: |
Radius 6 hour
patrol without refueling 1609 km, Endurance
without refueling more than 11 hours. |
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Rotodome: |
- Diameter: 9,14
m.
- Height: 1,83 m.
- Weight: 1540
kg. |
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Radar: |
- Westinghouse
AN/APY-1/2 multi-mode surveillance radar,
rotating at 6 rpm. |
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E-3 Sentry
operators: |
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USAF
NATO
Saudi Arabia
United Kingdom
France |
- 34 E-3C
- 18 E-3C
- 13 KE-3A
- 7 E-3D
- 4 E-3F |
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E-3 Sentry in
action |
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AWACS aircraft have been
involved in all combat operations since March
1979. |
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Posters
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