The E-3 Sentry is an American 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 defence forces. The E-3 Sentry is a modified Boeing 707/320 commercial airframe with a rotating radar dome. The dome is 9.1 metres in diameter, 1.8 metres thick, and is held 3.3 metres 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 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. Other major subsystems in the E-3 are navigation, communications and computers (data processing). Consoles display computer-processed data in graphic and tabular format on video screens. Console operators perform surveillance, identification, weapons control, battle management and communications functions.
The radar and computer subsystems on the E-3 Sentry can gather and present broad and detailed battlefield information. Data is collected as events occur. This includes position and tracking information on enemy aircraft and ships, and location and status of friendly aircraft and naval vessels. The information can be sent to major command and control centres in rear areas or aboard ships. In time of crisis, this data can be forwarded to the National Command Authorities in the United States. In support of air-to-ground operations, the Sentry can provide direct information needed for interdiction, reconnaissance, airlift and close-air support for friendly ground forces. It can also provide information for commanders of air operations to gain and maintain control of the air battle. As an air defence system, E-3s can detect, identify and track airborne enemy forces far from the boundaries of the United States or NATO countries. It can direct fighter-interceptor aircraft to these enemy targets.
Experience has proven that the E-3 Sentry can respond quickly and effectively to a crisis and support worldwide military deployment operations. It is a jam-resistant system that has performed missions while experiencing heavy electronic countermeasures. With its mobility as an airborne warning and control system, the Sentry has an excellent chance of surviving in war. Among other things, the flight path can quickly be changed according to mission and survival requirements. The E- 3 can fly a mission profile for more than eight hours without refuelling. Its range and on-station time can be increased through in-flight refuelling. The aircraft can be used as a surveillance asset in support of other government agencies during counter drug operations. U.S. Customs Service officers may fly aboard the E-3 Sentry on pre-coordinated missions to detect smuggling activities. It is powered by four Pratt and Whitney TF33-PW-100A turbofan engines giving a speed of 350 mph and a range of 8 hours flying time before refuelling. It is crewed by a flight crew of four plus a mission crew of 13-19 specialists (mission crew size varies according to mission). Research E-3 Sentry
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Abbreviations
Research E-3 Sentry
