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Grumman/Boeing E-8 J-STARS |
Grumman/Boeing E-8 J-STARS |
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The Grumman Boeing E-8 J-STARS
system conducts ground surveillance, enabling
commanders to develop an understanding of the
enemies situation, and to support attack
operations and targeting. From a standoff
position, the aircraft - a modified Boeing
707-320 series commercial aircraft - detects,
locates, classifies, tracks and targets hostile
ground movements, communicating real-time
information through secure data links with US
Air Force and US Army command posts. The most
prominent external feature is the 12 meters
long, canoe-shaped radome under the forward
fuselage that houses the 7,3 meters long,
side-looking phase array antenna. From racetrack
orbit the E-8 uses the Norden radar to peer
sideways in three modes to build up a complete
picture of all ground movements within its
search sector.
The E-8A is the only version that
has not been modified for air refueling.
The Grumman Boeing E-8A J-STARS
deployed in 1991 to participate in Operation
Desert Storm even though they were still in
development. The joint program accurately
tracked mobile Iraqi forces, including tanks and
Scud missiles. Crews flew developmental aircraft
on 49 combat sorties accumulating more than 500
combat hours and a 100 percent mission
effectiveness rate. A USAF after-action report
noted that Joint STARS denied the enemy its
night sanctuary and kept continual pressure on
ground troops in the Kuwait Theater of
operations.
Joint STARS developmental
aircraft were also called to support the NATO
peacekeeping mission, Operation Joint Endeavor
in December 1995. While flying in friendly air
space, the test-bed E-8A and pre-production E-8C
aircraft monitored ground movements to confirm
compliance with the Dayton Peace Treaty
agreements. Crews flew 95 consecutive
operational sorties and more than 1000 flight
hours with a 98 percent mission effectiveness
rate.
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Developing
Nation: |
United States. |
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First Flight(s): |
E-8A: December
1988, 86-0416. |
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First Delivery:
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June 11, 1996. |
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First
Operational:
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Dessert Storm
January and February 1991.
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Task:
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Airborne command
post that will detect, locate, track and
classify enemy ground formation at long range.
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E-8C J-STARS |
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Crew: |
Standard mission
3 flight crew and 18 operators.
Long-endurance 6 flight crew and 28 operators. |
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Wing span: |
44,42 m.
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Length: |
46,61 m.
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Height: |
12,93 m.
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Engine (s):
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Four Pratt & Whitney JT3D-3B.
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Weights empty: |
77.565 kg.
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Max. take-off
weight: |
152.409 kg.
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Max.
payload:
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43.603 kg.
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Fuel:
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72.375 kg.
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Cruise speed: |
Normal 860 km/h max. 973 km/h.
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Operating
altitude: |
10.670 m.
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Max. range: |
9.270 km.
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Performance:
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Max. endurance 11
hours, with aerial refueling 20 hours.
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Countries where the Grumman Boeing E-8
J-STARS is in service:
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United States |
1 E-8A
1 TE-8A
1 YE-8B
1 TE-8C
16 E-8C |
Grumman Boeing E-8 J-STARS in action:
The Grumman Boeing E-8A J-STARS deployed in
1991 to participate in Operation Desert Storm even though
they were still in development. The joint program accurately
tracked mobile Iraqi forces, including tanks and Scud
missiles. Crews flew developmental aircraft on 49 combat
sorties accumulating more than 500 combat hours and a 100
percent mission effectiveness rate. A USAF after-action
report noted that Joint STARS denied the enemy its night
sanctuary and kept continual pressure on ground troops in
the Kuwait Theater of operations.
Joint STARS developmental aircraft were also
called to support the NATO peacekeeping mission, Operation
Joint Endeavor in December 1995. While flying in friendly
air space, the test-bed E-8A and pre-production E-8C
aircraft monitored ground movements to confirm compliance
with the Dayton Peace Treaty agreements. Crews flew 95
consecutive operational sorties and more than 1000 flight
hours with a 98 percent mission effectiveness rate.
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Posters
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