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E-3 Sentry

United States Air Force E-3 Sentry

TypeAirborne Warning and Control System (AWACS)
ManufacturerBoeing Integrated Defense Systems
Northrop Grumman (radar)
Maiden flightOctober 1975
IntroductionMarch 1977
Primary usersUnited States Air Force
Royal Air Force
Royal Saudi Air Force
NATO
Produced1991
Number built68
Developed fromBoeing 707-320

The Boeing E-3 Sentry is an American military airborne warning and control system (AWACS) aircraft that provides all-weather surveillance, command, control and communications, to the United States, United Kingdom, France, Saudi Arabia, and NATO air defense forces. An aerospace manufacturer is a company or individual involved in the various aspects of designing building testing selling and maintaining Aircraft, Aircraft parts Boeing Integrated Defense Systems ( Boeing IDS) based in St Louis, Missouri, USA, is a unit of The Boeing Company responsible for Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems was created by Northrop Grumman's acquisition of Westinghouse Electronic Systems Group in 1996 The maiden flight of an Aircraft is the first occasion on which an aircraft leaves the ground of its own accord The Royal Saudi Air Force (القوات الجوية الملكية السعودية) is the Air force branch of Saudi Arabian armed forces. The North Atlantic Treaty WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout Boeing Integrated Defense Systems ( Boeing IDS) based in St Louis, Missouri, USA, is a unit of The Boeing Company responsible for The United States of America —commonly referred to as the The United States of America —commonly referred to as the The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom, the UK or Britain,is a Sovereign state located This article is about the country For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic France topics. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, KSA ( المملكة العربية السعودية, al-Mamlaka al-ʻArabiyya as-Suʻūdiyya) or Suudi The North Atlantic Treaty Production ended in 1992 after 68 had been built. [1][2]

Contents

Development


The E-3 Sentry is a modified Boeing 707-320B Advanced commercial airframe. WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout Modifications included a rotating radar dome, single-point ground, and air refueling points. Radar is a system that uses electromagnetic waves to identify the range altitude direction or speed of both moving and fixed objects such as Aircraft, ships The dome is 30 feet (9. 1 m) in diameter, six feet (1. 8 m) thick at the center, and is held 14 feet (4. 2 m) above the fuselage by two struts. [1] It contains a hydraulically rotated antenna system that permits the AN/APY-1/2 passive electronically scanned array radar system to provide surveillance from the Earth's surface up into the stratosphere, over land or water. A passive electronically scanned array (PESA as opposed to its active counterpart AESA, is a Phased array which has a central radiofrequency Generators on each of the four engines provide the 1 megawatt of power required by the radar. [1] The Pulse Doppler radar has a range of more than 250 miles (400 km) for low-flying targets at its operating altitude (essentially to the radar horizon), and the Pulse(BTH) beyond the horizon radar has a range of approximately 400 miles (650 km) for aerospace vehicles flying at medium to high altitudes (essentially above the radar horizon). Pulse-Doppler is a Radar system capable of not only detecting target location (bearing range and altitude but also measuring its radial velocity (range-rate The radar combined with an SSR subsystem can look down to detect, identify and track enemy and friendly low-flying aircraft by eliminating ground clutter returns. Secondary Surveillance Radar ( SSR) is a Radar system used in Air traffic control (ATC which not only detects and measures the position of aircraft [1][3][2]

The first E-3 Sentry rolled out of the Boeing factory on February 1, 1972
The first E-3 Sentry rolled out of the Boeing factory on February 1, 1972

The USAF E-3 fleet completed its largest upgrade in 2001. The Boeing Company is a major Aerospace and defense corporation originally founded by William E Events 1327 - Teenaged Edward III is crowned King of England, but the country is ruled by his mother Queen Year 1972 ( MCMLXXII) was a Leap year starting on Saturday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Known as the Block 30/35 Modification Program, the upgrade includes four enhancements:[4]

Future direction

Since the Boeing 707 is no longer in production, the E-3 mission package has been fitted into on the Boeing E-767 for the Japan Air Self Defence Force. WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout The, or JASDF, is the Aviation branch of the Japan Self-Defense Forces responsible for the defense of Japanese Airspace and other aerospace The E-10 MC2A was intended to replace the United States operated E-3 (along with the RC-135 and the E-8 Joint STARS), but the E-10 program has been canceled. WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout The USAF has now taken a new direction with the E-3 platform. It is investing and currently testing its block 40/45 modification. Currently, the USAF has one Block 40/45 E-3 that is under going flight testing, research and development. Another program that is currently in R&D is the Airframe Modernization Program (AMP). AMP would provide the E-3 with a glass cockpit and possibly re-engine the USAF fleet of E-3's with an engine that is more reliable and at least 20% more fuel efficient. New engines would give the USAF E-3's a longer range, longer time on station, shorter critical runway length (meaning the E-3 could now operate with a full fuel load on a runway with only 10,000 feet at higher temperatures and pressure altitude) and at a higher altitude that would provide better range for its line of sight sensors.

Design

USAF E-3 Sentry prepared for flight at 4 Wing Cold Lake, Canada
USAF E-3 Sentry prepared for flight at 4 Wing Cold Lake, Canada

Other major subsystems in the E-3 are navigation, communications and computers (data processing). Canadian Forces Base Cold Lake, commonly referred to as CFB Cold Lake, is a Canadian Forces Base located adjacent to the city of Cold Lake, Alberta Country to "Dominion of Canada" or "Canadian Federation" or anything else please read the Talk Page 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. [1]

The radar and computer subsystems on the E-3 Sentry can gather and present broad and detailed battlefield information. Data are 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 centers in rear areas or aboard ships. In times of crisis, data can be forwarded to the National Command Authority in the United States. National Command Authority ( NCA) is a term used by the United States military and government to refer to the ultimate lawful source of military orders The United States of America —commonly referred to as the [1]

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, whilst as an air defense asset, E-3s can detect, identify and track airborne enemy forces far from the boundaries of the United States or NATO countries and can direct fighter-interceptor aircraft to these enemy targets. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the The North Atlantic Treaty [1]

The E-3 as equipped in USAF and NATO service can fly without refueling for 8 hours or 4000 miles, whilst newer examples in British, French and Saudi service, equipped with CFM56-2 engines can fly for 10 hours or 5000 miles without refuelling. Its range and on-station time can be increased through inflight refueling and the use of an on-board crew rest area. Aerial refueling, also called air refueling, in-flight refueling ( IFR) air-to-air refueling ( AAR) or tanking, is The range and loiter time can be used to alter the flight plan as required for operation reasons. [1][2]

Engineering, test and evaluation began on the first E-3 Sentry in October 1975. In March 1977 the 552nd Airborne Warning and Control Wing (now 552nd Air Control Wing, Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma), received the first E-3s. Tinker Air Force Base is a major US Air Force base located in the southeast Oklahoma City area near the suburb of Midwest City, Oklahoma. [1]

Radar System Improvement Program

The Radar System Improvement Program (RSIP) was a joint U.S./NATO development program. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the The North Atlantic Treaty [1] RSIP enhances the operational capability of the E-3 radar electronic counter-measures, and dramatically improve the system's reliability, maintainability and availability. [1] This hardware and software modification to the E-3 improves radar set performance providing enhanced detection of targets, with an emphasis toward those with a low radar cross section (RCS). [1] Major advantages include: Increased range against reduced RCS targets to include cruise missiles; Improved electronic counter-counter measures (ECCM) against current threats; Improved radar system reliability and maintainability (R&M); and Improved radar control and maintenance panel (RCMP) with embedded test equipment. [1] RSIP utilizes a Pulse Doppler Pulse Compression (PDPC) waveform, increases data sampling rates, increases range and velocity resolution, increases signal integration time, adds new signal processing algorithms to enhance detection sensitivity and unambiguous range determination, and improves radar set monitoring and control. RSIP is a huge leap forward in a variety of factors. It increases the ability to detect and track smaller targets at greater distances, akin to giving the radar a set of binoculars. It also improves the reliability and maintainability for the radar hardware, which decreases the number of spares and amount of down time needed for repairs. Improved control and processing algorithms tailored to current threat data enhances system electronic counter-countermeasure (ECCM) capabilities. The improved electronic counter-counter measures mean it will be much more difficult for enemy forces to deceive or "jam" the AWACS with false electronic signals. U. S. installation of RSIP was completed in fiscal year 2004, and France completed their aircraft in 2005. [1][5]

Operational history

In total, 68 aircraft were built, with 2 hull losses (one USAF aircraft, one NATO aircraft)[6][7]

The United States Air Force have a total of 33 E-3 aircraft in active service. 28 of these are stationed at Tinker AFB and belong to the Air Combat Command. Tinker Air Force Base is a major US Air Force base located in the southeast Oklahoma City area near the suburb of Midwest City, Oklahoma. Air Combat Command ( ACC) is a major command (MAJCOM of the United States Air Force. Four E-3 aircraft are assigned to the Pacific Air Forces and stationed at Kadena AB, Okinawa and Elmendorf AFB, Alaska. Kadena Air Base is a United States Air Force base located in the towns Elmendorf Air Force Base is a United States Air Force base adjacent to Anchorage, the largest city in Alaska. Alaska ( Аляска Alyaska) is a state in the United States of America, in the northwest of the North American continent One aircraft (TS-3) is assigned to the Boeing Aircraft Company for testing and development purposes. [1]

The NATO E-3s have the Coat of arms of Luxembourg and the registration LX on the tail.
The NATO E-3s have the Coat of arms of Luxembourg and the registration LX on the tail. The coat of arms of Luxembourg has its origins in the Middle Ages, and was derived from that of the Duchy of Limburg, in modern day Belgium

NATO acquired 18 E-3As and support equipment for a NATO air defense force. Since all aircraft must be registered with a certain country, the decision was made to register the 18 NATO AWACS planes with Luxembourg, a NATO country that until that point had not had any air force. Luxembourg (Groussherzogtum Lëtzebuerg Grand-Duché de Luxembourg Großherzogtum Luxemburg is a small Landlocked country in Western Europe, bordered by An air force, also known in some countries as an air army or historically an army air corps, is in the broadest sense the national military or armed service The first NATO E-3 was delivered in January 1982. Presently 17 NATO E-3As are in the inventory, since one NATO E-3 was lost in a crash. [7]

NATO members United Kingdom and France are not part of the NATO E-3A Component, instead procuring E-3 aircraft through a joint project. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom, the UK or Britain,is a Sovereign state located This article is about the country For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic France topics. The UK and France operate their E-3 aircraft independently of each other and of NATO. [8] The UK operates seven aircraft and France operates four aircraft, all fitted with the newer CFM56-2 engines. [2] The British requirement came about following unsatisfactory tests with modified Hawker Siddeley Nimrod aircraft to replace the Avro Shackleton AEW platform in the early 1970s. WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout [7]

The other operator of the type is Saudi Arabia which operates five aircraft, all fitted with CFM56-2 engines. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, KSA ( المملكة العربية السعودية, al-Mamlaka al-ʻArabiyya as-Suʻūdiyya) or Suudi [2] Japan has four Boeing E-767 aircraft equipped to similar standards. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Japan topics. WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout [1]

E-3 Sentry aircraft were among the first to deploy during Operation Desert Shield where they immediately established an around-the-clock radar screen to defend against Iraqi forces. During Desert Storm, E-3s flew more than 400 missions and logged more than 5,000 hours of on-station time. The data collection capability of the E-3 radar and computer subsystems allowed an entire air war to be recorded for the first time in history. In addition to providing senior leadership with time-critical information on the actions of enemy forces, E-3 controllers assisted in 38 of the 40 air-to-air kills recorded during the conflict. [1]

In March 1996, the US Air Force activated the 513th Air Control Group, an AWACS Reserve Associate Program unit, which performs duties on active-duty aircraft. [1]

Variants

EC-137D
Two prototype AWACS aircraft with JT3D engines, one fitted with a Westinghouse radar and the other with a Hughes radar. Both converted to E-3A standard with TF33 engines.
E-3A
Production aircraft with TF33 engines and AN/APY-1 radar, 25 built for USAF later converted to E-3B standard. 18 built for NATO with TF33 engines and five for Saudi Arabia with CFM56 engines.
KE-3A
These are not AWACS aircraft but CFM56 powered tankers for Saudi Arabia, 8 built.
E-3B
E-3As converted with AN/APY-2 radar and other improvements, 24 conversions.
E-3C
Production aircraft with system improvements, nine built. NATO E-3A aircraft although not re-designated have been modified to the same equipment standard.
JE-3C
One E-3A aircraft used by Boeing for trials later redesignated E-3C.
E-3D
Production aircraft for the Royal Air Force to E-3C standard with CFM56 engines and British modifications designated Sentry AEW. 1, seven built.
E-3F
Production aircraft for the French Air Force to E-3C standard with CFM56 engines and French modifications, four built.
E-3G
USAF Block 40/45 modification with Airframe Modernization Program (AMP).
Sentry AEW. 1
British designation for the E-3D.
TC-18E
used for E-3 Sentry crew proficiency training. No mission equipment.

Operators

A NATO E-3
A NATO E-3
Only one E-3 has been lost out of NATO's inventory
Only one E-3 has been lost out of NATO's inventory
RAF Sentry takes off
RAF Sentry takes off
USAF E-3 in flight
USAF E-3 in flight
North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO)
Based in Geilenkirchen, Germany, 18 E-3 AWACS were purchased - one lost in Greece. The North Atlantic Treaty NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen, located near Geilenkirchen, Germany, is the main operating Airfield of the NATO Airborne Early Warning & Control All of these aircraft are officially registered as aircraft of Luxembourg, a NATO member with no other Air Force. Luxembourg (Groussherzogtum Lëtzebuerg Grand-Duché de Luxembourg Großherzogtum Luxemburg is a small Landlocked country in Western Europe, bordered by Responsible for monitoring airspace for NATO operations around the world.
Flag of France France
The French Air Force purchased 4 E-3F aircraft similar to the British E-3D aircraft. This article is about the country For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic France topics. The French Air Force ( French: Armée de l'Air (ALA literally Air Army) is the Air force of the French Armed Forces.
Flag of Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia
The Royal Saudi Air Force purchased five E-3A aircraft and eight KE-3A tanker aircraft in 1983. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, KSA ( المملكة العربية السعودية, al-Mamlaka al-ʻArabiyya as-Suʻūdiyya) or Suudi The Royal Saudi Air Force (القوات الجوية الملكية السعودية) is the Air force branch of Saudi Arabian armed forces. This is a list of Aviation -related events from 1983: Events January January 1 - Eastern Air Lines ' first revenue
Flag of the United Kingdom United Kingdom
Royal Air Force purchased 6 (later increased to 7) E-3D aircraft in December 1986. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom, the UK or Britain,is a Sovereign state located This is a list of Aviation -related events from 1986: Events January January 9 - the UK Defence Secretary Michael The aircraft are designated Sentry AEW. 1.
Flag of the United States United States
The United States Air Force purchased 34 E-3As (24 later modified to E-3B and 10 to E-3C). No VIII Squadron (8 Sqn of the Royal Air Force operates the Boeing E-3D Sentry from RAF Waddington No 23 Squadron of the Royal Air Force operates the Boeing E-3D Sentry from RAF Waddington, Lincolnshire The United States of America —commonly referred to as the One E-3B was lost in 1995 in a crash. Another is on loan to Boeing Integrated Defense Systems for continuous testing, research, and development. Boeing Integrated Defense Systems ( Boeing IDS) based in St Louis, Missouri, USA, is a unit of The Boeing Company responsible for

Incidents and accidents

Specifications

USAF/NATO aircraft

General characteristics

Performance


Royal Air Force/Royal Saudi Air Force/French Air Force aircraft

A Sentry AEW1 of the RAF takes off
A Sentry AEW1 of the RAF takes off

General characteristics

Performance


References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r Factsheet : E-3 SENTRY (AWACS) : E-3 SENTRY (AWACS). The maximal total range is the distance an Aircraft can fly between Takeoff and Landing, as limited by fuel capacity in powered aircraft or cross-country In Aeronautics, a ceiling is the maximum Density altitude an aircraft can reach under a set of conditions In Aerodynamics, the rate of climb RoC is the speed at which an Aircraft increases its Altitude. United States Air Force (2006-05). Retrieved on 2007-05-26. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 451 - The Battle of Avarayr between Armenian rebels and the Sassanid Empire takes place
  2. ^ a b c d e Boeing Integrated Defense Systems - Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS). Boeing Integrated Defense Systems. Retrieved on 2007-05-26. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 451 - The Battle of Avarayr between Armenian rebels and the Sassanid Empire takes place
  3. ^ E-3 Sentry (AWACS). Military Analysis Network (2000-04-23). 2000 ( MM) was a Leap year that started on Saturday of the Common Era, in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. Events 215 BC - A temple is built on the Capitoline Hill dedicated to Venus Erycina to commemorate the Roman defeat at Retrieved on 2007-05-26. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 451 - The Battle of Avarayr between Armenian rebels and the Sassanid Empire takes place
  4. ^ E-3 Sentry (AWACS). Globalsecurity. org. Retrieved on 2007-05-26. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 451 - The Battle of Avarayr between Armenian rebels and the Sassanid Empire takes place
  5. ^ Boeing Integrated Defense Systems - Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) - AWACS For United Kingdom and France. Boeing Integrated Defense Systems. Retrieved on 2007-05-26. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 451 - The Battle of Avarayr between Armenian rebels and the Sassanid Empire takes place
  6. ^ E-3 Sentry (AWACS). Globalsecurity. org. Retrieved on 2007-05-26. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 451 - The Battle of Avarayr between Armenian rebels and the Sassanid Empire takes place
  7. ^ a b c Boeing E-3 Sentry Aircraft Facts, Dates and History. Flightlevel350. com. Retrieved on 2007-05-26. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 451 - The Battle of Avarayr between Armenian rebels and the Sassanid Empire takes place
  8. ^ Boeing: Products E-3 AWACS. Boeing Integrated Defense Systems. Retrieved on 2007-05-26. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 451 - The Battle of Avarayr between Armenian rebels and the Sassanid Empire takes place
  9. ^ Picture of the 76-1604, a US Air Force E-3B Sentry
  10. ^ Aviation Safety Network > Accident investigation > CVR / FDR > Transcripts > CVR transcript Boeing E-3 USAF Yukla 27 - 22 SEP 1995
  11. ^ Yukla 27 Memorial

See also

Related development

Comparable aircraft

Related lists

External links

WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout * List of active United States military aircraft This is a list of currently-active Military aircraft in use by the United States This is a list of currently-active Military aircraft in use by the United Kingdom.
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