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In February 1987 the UK and France ordered E-3 aircraft in a joint project which saw deliveries start in 1991.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.boeing.com/defense-space/ic/awacs/e3svcww/ukfr.html |title=AWACS For United Kingdom and France |access-date=26 September 2010 |publisher=Boeing |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110327082946/http://www.boeing.com/defense-space/ic/awacs/e3svcww/ukfr.html |archive-date=27 March 2011 }}</ref> The British requirement arose due to the cancellation of the [[British Aerospace Nimrod AEW3|Nimrod AEW3]] project. While France operates its E-3F aircraft independently of NATO, UK E-3Ds formed the E-3D Component of the NATO Airborne Early Warning and Control Force (NAEWCF), receiving much of their tasking directly from NATO. However, RAF E-3Ds remain UK manned and capable of independent, national tasking |
In February 1987 the UK and France ordered E-3 aircraft in a joint project which saw deliveries start in 1991.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.boeing.com/defense-space/ic/awacs/e3svcww/ukfr.html |title=AWACS For United Kingdom and France |access-date=26 September 2010 |publisher=Boeing |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110327082946/http://www.boeing.com/defense-space/ic/awacs/e3svcww/ukfr.html |archive-date=27 March 2011 }}</ref> The British requirement arose due to the cancellation of the [[British Aerospace Nimrod AEW3|Nimrod AEW3]] project. While France operates its E-3F aircraft independently of NATO, UK E-3Ds formed the E-3D Component of the NATO Airborne Early Warning and Control Force (NAEWCF), receiving much of their tasking directly from NATO. However, RAF E-3Ds remain UK manned and capable of independent, national tasking. This has been done on numerous occasions, notably when E-3Ds were committed to operations over Afghanistan in 2001 and Iraq in 2003.<ref name="Boeing2">{{cite web |url=http://www.boeing.com/defense-space/ic/awacs/e3svcww/e3fleet.html |title=E-3 Specifications (707 Platform) and Worldwide Fleet |access-date=26 September 2010 |publisher=Boeing |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110327083120/http://www.boeing.com/defense-space/ic/awacs/e3svcww/e3fleet.html |archive-date=27 March 2011 }}</ref> The UK fleet has slowly been reduced from 7 since 2011 with plans for replacement by five E-7 Wedgetails from 2023. France operates four aircraft, all fitted with the newer CFM56-2 engines.<ref name=Boeing1/> |
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On 27 January 2015, the RAF deployed an E-3D Sentry to Cyprus in support of U.S.-led [[2014 military intervention against ISIS|coalition airstrikes]] against [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant|Islamic State]] militants in Iraq and Syria.<ref>[http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/raf-sentry-aew-aircraft-deploys-in-support-of-counter-is-408549/ RAF Sentry AEW aircraft deploys in support of counter-IS mission] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150202184920/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/raf-sentry-aew-aircraft-deploys-in-support-of-counter-is-408549/ |date=2 February 2015 }} – Flightglobal.com, 2 February 2015</ref> |
On 27 January 2015, the RAF deployed an E-3D Sentry to Cyprus in support of U.S.-led [[2014 military intervention against ISIS|coalition airstrikes]] against [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant|Islamic State]] militants in Iraq and Syria.<ref>[http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/raf-sentry-aew-aircraft-deploys-in-support-of-counter-is-408549/ RAF Sentry AEW aircraft deploys in support of counter-IS mission] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150202184920/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/raf-sentry-aew-aircraft-deploys-in-support-of-counter-is-408549/ |date=2 February 2015 }} – Flightglobal.com, 2 February 2015</ref> |
Revision as of 08:37, 27 December 2020
E-3 Sentry | |
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![]() | |
An E-3 Sentry of the United States Air Force | |
Role | Airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) |
National origin | United States |
Manufacturer | Boeing Defense, Space & Security |
First flight | EC-137D: 9 February 1972 E-3: 25 May 1976[N 1] |
Introduction | March 1977 |
Status | Operational |
Primary users | United States Air Force NATO Royal Air Force Royal Saudi Air Force |
Produced | 1977–1992 |
Number built | 68 |
Developed from | Boeing 707 |
The Boeing E-3 Sentry is an American airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft developed by Boeing. E-3s are commonly known as AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System). Derived from the Boeing 707, it provides all-weather surveillance, command, control, and communications, and is used by the United States Air Force, NATO, Royal Air Force, French Air and Space Force, and Royal Saudi Air Force. The E-3 is distinguished by the distinctive rotating radar dome (rotodome) above the fuselage. Production ended in 1992 after 68 aircraft had been built.
In the mid-1960s, the U.S. Air Force (USAF) was seeking an aircraft to replace its piston-engined Lockheed EC-121 Warning Star, which had been in service for over a decade. After issuing preliminary development contracts to three companies, the USAF picked Boeing to construct two airframes to test Westinghouse Electric and Hughes's competing radars. Both radars used pulse-Doppler technology, with Westinghouse's design emerging as the contract winner. Testing on the first production E-3 began in October 1975.
The first USAF E-3 was delivered in March 1977, and during the next seven years, a total of 34 aircraft were manufactured. E-3s were also purchased by NATO (18), the United Kindgom (7), France (4) and Saudi Arabia (5).
In 1991, when the last aircraft had been delivered, E-3s participated in the Persian Gulf War, playing a crucial role of directing coalition aircraft against Iraqi forces. The aircraft's capabilities have been maintained and enhanced through numerous upgrades. In 1996, Westinghouse Electric's Defense & Electronic Systems division was acquired by Northrop Corporation, before being renamed Northrop Grumman Mission Systems, which currently supports the E-3's radar.
Development
Background
In 1963, the USAF asked for proposals for an Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) to replace its EC-121 Warning Stars, which had served in the airborne early warning role for over a decade.[2] The new aircraft would take advantage of improvements in radar technology and in computer-aided radar data analysis and data reduction. These developments allowed airborne radars to "look down", i.e. to detect the movement of low-flying aircraft, and discriminate, even over land, target aircraft's movements; previously this had been impossible due to the inability to discriminate an aircraft's track from ground clutter.[3] Contracts were issued to Boeing, Douglas, and Lockheed, the latter being eliminated in July 1966. In 1967, a parallel program was put into place to develop the radar, with Westinghouse Electric Corporation and Hughes Aircraft being asked to compete in producing the radar system. In 1968, it was referred to as Overland Radar Technology (ORT) during development tests on the modified EC-121Q.[4][5] The Westinghouse radar antenna was going to be used by whichever company won the radar competition since Westinghouse had pioneered the design of high-power radio frequency (RF) phase-shifters, which are used to both focus the RF into a pencil beam and scan electronically for altitude determination.
![Black-and-white photograph of piston-engined aircraft with a large hump on midfuselage](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/69/Lockheed_RC-121C_1955.jpg/220px-Lockheed_RC-121C_1955.jpg)
Boeing initially proposed a purpose-built aircraft, but tests indicated it would not outperform the already-operational 707, so the latter was chosen instead. To increase endurance, this design was to be powered by eight General Electric TF34s. It would carry its radar in a rotating dome mounted at the top of a forward-swept tail, above the fuselage.[3][6] Boeing was selected ahead of McDonnell Douglas's DC-8-based proposal in July 1970. Initial orders were placed for two aircraft, designated EC-137D as test beds to evaluate the two competing radars. As the test beds did not need the same 14-hour endurance demanded of the production aircraft, the EC-137s retained the Pratt & Whitney JT3D commercial engines, and a later reduction in the endurance requirement led to retention of the JT3D engines in production.[5][7]
The first EC-137 made its maiden flight on 9 February 1972, with the fly-off between the two radars taking place from March to July of that year.[4] Favorable test results led to the selection of Westinghouse's radar for the production aircraft.[8] Hughes' radar was initially thought to be a certain winner due to its related development of the APG-63 radar for the new F-15 Eagle. The Westinghouse radar used a pipelined fast Fourier transform (FFT) to digitally resolve 128 Doppler frequencies, while Hughes's radars used analog filters based on the design for the F-15. Westinghouse's engineering team won this competition by using a programmable 18-bit computer whose software could be modified before each mission. This computer was the AN/AYK-8 design from the B-57G program, and designated AYK-8-EP1 for its much expanded memory. This radar also multiplexed a beyond-the-horizon (BTH) pulse mode that could complement the pulse-Doppler radar mode. This proved to be beneficial especially when the BTH mode is used to detect ships at sea when the radar beam is directed below the horizon.[9]
Full-scale development
Approval was given on 26 January 1973 for the full-scale development of the AWACS system. To allow further development of the aircraft's systems, orders were placed for three preproduction aircraft, the first of which performed its maiden flight in February 1975. IBM and Hazeltine were selected to develop the mission computer and display system. The IBM computer was designated 4PI, and the software was written in JOVIAL. A Semi-Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) or back-up interceptor control (BUIC) operator would immediately be at home with the track displays and tabular displays, but differences in symbology would create compatibility problems in tactical ground radar systems in Iceland, mainland Europe, and South Korea over Link-11 (TADIL-A). In 1977, Iran placed an order for ten E-3s, however this order was cancelled following the Iranian Revolution.
![Black-and-white photograph with angled front view of four-engine jet aircraft on ramp with front fuselage door opened: A contingent of people are there to welcome the jet, which has a disc-shaped radar perching on top of struts on the dorsal fuselage.](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/57/First_E-3_Sentry_at_Tinker_AFB.jpg/220px-First_E-3_Sentry_at_Tinker_AFB.jpg)
Engineering, test and evaluation began on the first E-3 Sentry in October 1975. Between 1977 and 1992, a total of 68 E-3s were built.[10][11]
Future status
Because the Boeing 707 is no longer in production, the E-3 mission package has been fitted into the Boeing E-767 for the Japan Air Self Defense Forces. The E-10 MC2A was intended to replace USAF E-3s—along with the RC-135 and the E-8 Joint STARS, but the program was canceled by the Department of Defense.
NATO intends to extend the operational status of its AWACS until 2035 by significantly upgrading fourteen aircraft in the Final Lifetime Extension Program (FLEP) between 2019 and 2026.[12] Upgrades include the expansion of data capacity, expansion of bandwidth for satellite communications, new encryption equipment, new have quick radios, upgraded mission computing software and new operator consoles. The supporting ground systems (mission training center and mission planning and evaluation system) will also be upgraded to the latest standaard. NATO Airborne Early Warning & Control Program Management Agency (NAPMA) is the preparing and executing authority for the FLEP. FLEP will be combined with the standard planned higher echelon technical maintenance.
Design
Overview
The E-3 Sentry's airframe is a modified Boeing 707-320B Advanced model. Modifications include a rotating radar dome (rotodome), uprated hydraulics from 241 to 345 bar (3500–5000 PSI) to drive the rotodome,[14] single-point ground refueling, air refueling, and a bail-out tunnel or chute. A second bail-out chute was deleted to cut mounting costs.[15]
USAF and NATO E-3s have an unrefueled range of 7,400 km (4,600 mi) or 8 hours of flying.[16] The newer E-3 versions bought by France, Saudi Arabia, and the UK are equipped with newer CFM56-2 turbofan engines, and these can fly for about 11 hours or more than 9,250 km (5,750 mi).[17] The Sentry's range and on-station time can be increased through air-to-air refueling and the crews can work in shifts by the use of an on-board crew rest and meals area. The aircraft are equipped with one toilet in the rear, and one behind the cockpit. Saudi E-3s were delivered with an additional toilet in the rear.[10][11]
When deployed, the E-3 monitors an assigned area of the battlefield and provides information for commanders of air operations to gain and maintain control of the battle; while as an air defense asset, E-3s can detect, identify, and track airborne enemy forces far from the boundaries of the U.S. or NATO countries and can direct interceptor aircraft to these targets.[10] In support of air-to-ground operations, the E-3 can provide direct information needed for interdiction, reconnaissance, airlift, and close-air support for friendly ground forces.[10]
Avionics
The unpressurized rotodome is 30 ft (9.1 m) in diameter, 6 ft (1.8 m) thick at the center, and is held 11 ft (3.4 m) above the fuselage by 2 struts.[10] It is tilted down at the front to reduce its aerodynamic drag, which lessens its detrimental effect on take-offs and endurance. This tilt is corrected electronically by both the radar and secondary surveillance radar antenna phase shifters. The rotodome uses bleed air, outside cooling doors, and fluorocarbon-based cold plate cooling to maintain the electronic and mechanical equipment temperatures. The hydraulically rotated antenna system permits the AN/APY-1 and AN/APY-2 passive electronically scanned array radar system[18] to provide surveillance from the Earth's surface up into the stratosphere, over land or water.
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/61/ProvideComfortAWACScrew.jpg/220px-ProvideComfortAWACScrew.jpg)
Other major subsystems in the E-3 Sentry are navigation, communications, and computers. 14 consoles display computer-processed data in graphic and tabular format on screens. Its operators perform surveillance, identification, weapons control, battle management and communications functions.[10] Data may be forwarded in real-time to any major command and control center in rear areas or aboard ships. In times of crisis, data may also be forwarded to the National Command Authority in the U.S. via RC-135 or aircraft carrier task forces.[10]
Electrical generators mounted in each of the E-3's four engines provide 1 megawatt of electrical power required by the aircraft's radars and electronics.[citation needed] Its pulse-Doppler radar has a range of more than 250 mi (400 km) for low-flying targets at its operating altitude, and the pulse (BTH) radar has a range of approximately 400 mi (650 km) for aircraft flying at medium to high altitudes. The radar, combined with a secondary surveillance radar (SSR) and electronic support measures (ESM), provides a look down capability, to detect, identify, and track low-flying aircraft, while eliminating ground clutter returns.[10][11][19]
Upgrades
![Inside military aircraft. Two personnel manning communications consoles with wide displays.](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e6/E-3_Sentry_system_operator_of_NATO.jpg/220px-E-3_Sentry_system_operator_of_NATO.jpg)
Between 1987 and 2001, USAF E-3s were upgraded under the "Block 30/35 Modification Program".[20] Enhancements included:
- The installation of ESM and an electronic surveillance capability, for both active and passive means of detection.
- Installation of the Joint Tactical Information Distribution System (JTIDS), which provides rapid and secure communication for transmitting information, including target positions and identification data, to other friendly platforms.
- Global Positioning System (GPS) capability was added.
- Onboard computers were overhauled to accommodate JTIDS, Link-16, the new ESM systems and to allow for future enhancements.[20]
The Radar System Improvement Program (RSIP) was a joint US/NATO development program.[10] RSIP enhances the operational capability of the E-3 radars' electronic countermeasures, and improves the system's reliability, maintainability, and availability.[10] Essentially, this program replaced the older transistor-transistor logic (TTL) and emitter-coupled logic (MECL) electronic components, long-since out of production, with off-the-shelf computers that utilised a High-level programming language instead of assembly language. Significant improvement came from adding pulse compression to the pulse-Doppler mode, replacing the old 8-bit FFT with 24-bit FFTs, and the 12-bit A/D (Sign + 12-bits) with a 15-bit A/D (Sign + 15-bits).[9] These hardware and software modifications improve the E-3 radars' performance, providing enhanced detection with an emphasis towards low radar cross-section (RCS) targets.[10]
The RAF had also joined the USAF in adding RSIP to upgrade the E-3's radars. The retrofitting of the E-3 squadrons was completed in December 2000. Along with the RSIP upgrade was installation of the Global Positioning System/Inertial Navigation Systems which improved positioning accuracy. In 2002, Boeing was awarded a contract to add RSIP to the small French AWACS squadron. Installation was completed in 2006.[10][21]
In 2000 NATO decided to upgrade the E-3s to Mid Term Program (MTP) standard. Again this implied technical upgrades and a total multi-sensor-systems integration. MTP ended in 2008.
In 2009, the USAF, in cooperation with NATO, entered into a major flight deck avionics modernization program in order to maintain compliance with worldwide airspace mandates. The program, called DRAGON (for DMS Replacement of Avionics for Global Operation and Navigation), was awarded to Boeing and Rockwell Collins in 2010. Collins. Drawing on their Flight2 Flight Management System (FMS), almost all the avionics were replaced with more modern digital equipment from Rockwell Collins. Main upgrades include a Digital Audio Distribution System, Mode-5/ADS-B transponder, Inmarsat & VDL datalinks, and a Terrain Avoidance and Warning System (TAWS). The centerpiece flight deck hardware consists of five 6x8 color graphics displays and two color CDUs. DRAGON layed the foundation for subsequent upgrades including GPS M-Code, Iridium ATC, and Autopilot. USAF DRAGON Production began in 2018.[22]
In 2014 the USAF began upgrading block 30/35 E-3B/Cs into block 40/45 E-3Gs. This upgrade replaces the main flight computer with a Linux Red Hat-based system, as well as replacing the DOS 2.0-like operating system with a Windows 95-like system on the operator workstations.[23] In 2016, a three-week long cybersecurity vulnerability test revealed that the 40/45 block and its supporting ground equipment were vulnerable to cyber threats, and were thus deemed "not survivable."[24] This caused a delay of approximately two years.[25] 24 E-3s are projected to complete this upgrade to 40/45 by the end of fiscal year 2020, while seven aircraft will be retired to save upgrade costs and harvest out-of-production components.[26][27]
Operational history
![Four-engined jet aircraft with disc-shaped radar on fuselage in-flight flanked by two jet fighters.](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f8/E3_sentry_zh101_kemble_arp.jpg/220px-E3_sentry_zh101_kemble_arp.jpg)
In March 1977 the 552nd Airborne Warning and Control Wing received the first E-3 aircraft at Tinker AFB, Oklahoma.[10] The 34th and last USAF Sentry was delivered in June 1984.[29] The USAF has a total of thirty-one E-3s in active service. Twenty-seven are stationed at Tinker AFB and belong to the Air Combat Command (ACC). Four are assigned to the Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) and stationed at Kadena AB, Okinawa and Elmendorf AFB, Alaska. One aircraft (TS-3) was assigned to Boeing for testing and development (retired/scrapped June 2012).[10]
E-3 Sentry aircraft were among the first to deploy during Operation Desert Shield, where they established a radar screen to montior Iraqi forces. During Operation Desert Storm, E-3s flew 379 missions and logged 5,052 hours of on-station time.[30] The data collection capability of the E-3 radar and computer subsystems allowed an entire air war to be recorded for the first time.[citation needed] In addition to providing senior leadership with time-critical information on the actions of enemy forces, E-3 controllers assisted in 38 of the 41 air-to-air kills recorded during the conflict.[10][30]
NATO, UK, French and USAF AWACS played an important role in the air campaign against Serbia and Montenegro in the former republic of Yugoslavia. From March to June 1999 the aircraft were deployed in operation Allied Force directing allied strike and air defence aircraft to and from their targets.[31] Over 1,000 aircraft operating from bases in Germany and Italy took part in the air campaign which was intended to destroy Yugoslav air defenses and high-value targets such as the bridges across the Danube river, factories, power stations, telecommunications facilities, and military installations.
On 18 November 2015, an E-3G was deployed to the Middle East to begin flying combat missions in support of Operation Inherent Resolve against ISIL, marking the first combat deployment of the upgraded Block 40/45 aircraft.
- France and United Kingdom
In February 1987 the UK and France ordered E-3 aircraft in a joint project which saw deliveries start in 1991.[32] The British requirement arose due to the cancellation of the Nimrod AEW3 project. While France operates its E-3F aircraft independently of NATO, UK E-3Ds formed the E-3D Component of the NATO Airborne Early Warning and Control Force (NAEWCF), receiving much of their tasking directly from NATO. However, RAF E-3Ds remain UK manned and capable of independent, national tasking. This has been done on numerous occasions, notably when E-3Ds were committed to operations over Afghanistan in 2001 and Iraq in 2003.[33] The UK fleet has slowly been reduced from 7 since 2011 with plans for replacement by five E-7 Wedgetails from 2023. France operates four aircraft, all fitted with the newer CFM56-2 engines.[11]
On 27 January 2015, the RAF deployed an E-3D Sentry to Cyprus in support of U.S.-led coalition airstrikes against Islamic State militants in Iraq and Syria.[34]
- NATO
NATO acquired 18 E-3As and support equipment for a NATO air defense force. Since all aircraft must be registered with a specific country, the decision was made to register the 18 aircraft in Luxembourg, a NATO member that previously did not have any air force. The first NATO E-3 was delivered in January 1982.[28] The eighteen E-3s were operated by Number 1, 2 and 3 Squadrons of NATO's E-3 Component, based at Geilenkirchen.[28] Presently, 16 NATO E-3As are in the inventory, since one E-3 was lost in a crash and one was retired from service in 2015.[29][35]
NATO E-3s joined their USAF colleagues for joint air defense as part of Operation Eagle Assist in the wake of the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center towers and the Pentagon.[36] NATO and RAF E-3s participated in the military intervention in Libya.[37]
On 23 June 2015 the first of the original 18 NATO E-3A AWACS aircraft to retire arrived at Davis-Monthan AFB near Tucson, Arizona. The aircraft was placed in parts reclamation storage where critical parts will be removed by technicians to support the remaining fleet of 16 Boeing E-3A aircraft. It had accumulated 22,206 flight hours between 19 August 1983 and 13 May 2015 and operated out of twenty-one different countries in support of NATO activities. The aircraft was due in mid-July 2015 for a six-year cycle Depot Level Maintenance (DLM) inspection which would have been very costly. Without the inspection, the aircraft would no longer be allowed to fly. The so-called "449 Retirement Project" will result in reclamation of critical parts with a value of upwards of $40,000,000. Some of the parts to be removed are no longer on the market or have become very expensive.[38][39]
Variants
- EC-137D
- 2 prototype AWACS aircraft with JT3D engines, 1 fitted with a Westinghouse Electric radar and 1 with a Hughes Aircraft Company radar. Both converted to E-3A standard with TF33 engines.
- E-3A
- Production aircraft with TF33 engines and AN/APY-1 radar, 24 built for USAF (later converted to E-3B standard), total of 34 ordered but the last 9 completed as E-3C.[40] One additional aircraft retained by Boeing for testing,[40] 18 built for NATO with TF33 engines and 5 for Saudi Arabia with CFM56 engines.[40]
- KE-3A
- These are not AWACS aircraft but CFM56 powered tankers based on the E-3 design. 8 were sold to Saudi Arabia.[40]
- E-3B
- E-3As with improvements, 24 conversions.[40]
- E-3C
- Production aircraft with AN/APY-2 radar, additional electronic consoles and system improvements, ten built.[41]
- JE-3C
- One E-3A aircraft used by Boeing for trials later redesignated E-3C.[40]
- E-3D
- Production aircraft for the RAF to E-3C standard with CFM56 engines and British modifications designated Sentry AEW.1, 7 built.[40] Modifications included the addition of a refuelling probe next to the existing boom AAR recipticle, CFM-56 engines, wingtip ESM pods, an enhanced Maritime Surveillance Capability (MSC) offering Maritime Scan-Scan Processing (MSSP), JTIDS and Havequick 2 radios.[42]
- E-3F
- Production aircraft for the French Air and Space Force to E-3C standard with CFM56 engines and French modifications, 4 built.[40]
- E-3G
- USAF Block 40/45 modification.[41] Includes hardware and software upgrades to improve communications, computer processing power, threat tracking, and others, and automates some previously manual functions. initial operating capability (IOC) reached in July 2015.[43]
Operators
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9b/E-3_operators.png/411px-E-3_operators.png)
France
- The French Air and Space Force purchased 4 E-3F aircraft.
- Escadron de détection et de contrôle aéroportés 36 Berry (36th Airborne Detection and Control Squadron "Berry") based at Avord Air Base.[44][45]
NATO
- 18 E-3 AWACS were purchased – 1 was written off in Greece, 3 were retired from service. For legal reasons these aircraft are registered as aircraft of Luxembourg, a NATO member otherwise without an air force.[28] Mainly responsible for monitoring European NATO airspace, they have also been deployed outside the area in support of NATO commitments.[46] The 20 multinational crews[47] are provided by 15 of the 28 NATO member nations.[48]
- NATO Airborne Early Warning and Control Force - E-3A Component.[49] Based at Geilenkirchen (Germany), with forward operating bases at Konya (Turkey), Preveza/Aktion (Greece) and Trapani/Birgi (Italy) and a forward operating location at Ørland (Norway).[50][51]
Saudi Arabia
- The Royal Saudi Air Force purchased five E-3A aircraft in 1983.[56]
- السرب الثامن عشر (al-Sarab al-Ththamin Eshr - No. 18 Squadron) (Prince Sultan Air Base - Al Kharj)[57]
United Kingdom
- The Royal Air Force purchased seven E-3Ds by October 1987, designated Sentry AEW.1 in British service.[28][58] As of December 2020, only three remain in service after one was withdrawn from serivce in 2009 to be used as spares, two were withdrawn in March 2019 and a further one withdrawn in January 2020.[59][60] The fleet has been given an out of service date (OSD) of December 2022.[61] They form the E-3D Component of the NATO Airborne Early Warning and Control Force.[62] They are due to be replaced by the E-7 Wedgetail AEW1, starting in 2023.[63]
- RAF Waddington, Lincolnshire, England
- No. 8 Squadron[64]
- No. 23 Squadron (1996–2009)[65]
- No. 54 Squadron (Operational Conversion Unit)[64]
- No. 56 Squadron (Operational Evaluation Unit)[64]
United States
- The United States Air Force has 31 operational E-3s as of December 2019[66]
- Tactical Air Command 1976–1992
- Air Combat Command 1992–present
- 960th Airborne Air Control Squadron 2001–present (NAS Keflavik, Iceland 1979–1992)
- 963rd Airborne Air Control Squadron 1976–present
- 964th Airborne Air Control Squadron 1977–present
- 965th Airborne Air Control Squadron 1978–1979, 1984–present
- 966th Airborne Air Control Squadron 1976–present
- 380th Air Expeditionary Wing – Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates
- 968th Expeditionary Airborne Air Control Squadron 2013–present (Thumrait Air Base, Oman 2002-2003)[67]
- Air Force Reserve Command
- 513th Air Control Group (Associate) – Tinker AFB, Oklahoma
- 970th Airborne Air Control Squadron 1996–present (Personnel only, aircraft loaned by co-located 552nd ACW as needed)[68]
- 413th Flight Test Group - Robins AFB, Georgia
- 10th Flight Test Squadron – Tinker AFB, Oklahoma 1994–present[69]
- Pacific Air Forces
- 962d Airborne Air Control Squadron 1986–present
- 961st Airborne Air Control Squadron 1979–present
Incidents and accidents
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/11/E-3_Sentry_LX-N90457_Crash%2C_14_July_1996.jpg/220px-E-3_Sentry_LX-N90457_Crash%2C_14_July_1996.jpg)
E-3s have been involved in three hull-loss accidents, and one radar antenna was destroyed during RSIP development (see photo under Avionics).
- On 22 September 1995, a U.S. Air Force E-3 Sentry (callsign Yukla 27, serial number 77-0354), crashed shortly after takeoff from Elmendorf AFB, Alaska. The plane lost power to both left side engines after these engines ingested several Canada geese during takeoff. The aircraft went down about 2 mi (3.2 km) northeast of the runway, killing all 24 crew members on board.[70][71]
- On 14 July 1996, a NATO-operated E-3 Sentry (serial number LX-N90457) overran the runway and crashed into a sea wall at Préveza-Aktion Airport in Greece when the pilot attempted to abort takeoff after thinking the aircraft had ingested birds. There were no injuries, however the fuselage broke, causing total loss of the aircraft. During the investigation of the incident no indications of bird ingestion were found.[72]
- On 28 August 2009, a U.S. Air Force E-3C Sentry (serial number 83-0008) participating in a Red Flag exercise at Nellis AFB, Nevada experienced a nose gear collapse on landing, resulting in a fire and damaging the aircraft beyond repair. All 32 crew members evacuated safely.[73]
Specifications (USAF/NATO)
Data from Globalsecurity.org : E-3 Sentry (AWACS)[16]
General characteristics
- Crew: Flight crew: 4 (aircraft commander, pilot, navigator, flight engineer)
- Mission crew: 13–19
- Length: 152 ft 11 in (46.61 m)
- Wingspan: 145 ft 9 in (44.42 m)
- Height: 41 ft 4 in (12.60 m)
- Wing area: 3,050 sq ft (283 m2)
- Empty weight: 185,000 lb (83,915 kg)
- Gross weight: 344,000 lb (156,036 kg)
- Max takeoff weight: 347,000 lb (157,397 kg)
- Powerplant: 4 × Pratt and Whitney TF33-PW-100A turbofan, 21,500 lbf (96 kN) thrust each
Performance
- Maximum speed: 461 kn (531 mph, 854 km/h)
- Range: 4,000 nmi (4,600 mi, 7,400 km)
- Service ceiling: 35,000 ft (11,000 m) (analog autopilot)
Avionics
- AN/APS-133 colour weather radar
- Westinghouse Corporation AN/APY-1 or AN/APY-2 passive electronically scanned array radar system
See also
Related development
- Boeing CT-49
- Boeing E-767 – essentially the E-3's systems in a 767 airframe
- Boeing P-8 Poseidon
- Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
- Beriev A-50
- Beriev A-100
- Boeing 737 AEW&C
- EL/M-2075
- KJ-2000
- Northrop Grumman E-2 Hawkeye
- Northrop Grumman E-8 Joint STARS
Related lists
References
Notes
Citations
- ^ Eden et al 2004, p. 94.
- ^ Wilson 1998, p. 72.
- ^ a b Eden et al. 2004, p. 92.
- ^ a b "AWACS to Bridge the Technological Gap". Air University. Archived from the original on 27 June 2004. Retrieved 14 February 2009.
- ^ a b Davies 2005, p. 2.
- ^ Simonsen, Erik (March 2007). "Still keeping watch" (PDF). Boeing. Archived (PDF) from the original on 29 June 2011. Retrieved 21 August 2011.
- ^ Taylor et al. 1976, p.246
- ^ Davies 2005, pp. 5–6.
- ^ a b "AWACS Surveillance Radar" (PDF). Northrop Grumman. Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 February 2009. Retrieved 10 February 2009.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Cite error: The named reference
USAF1
was invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ a b c d "Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS)". Boeing. Archived from the original on 18 May 2007. Retrieved 26 May 2007.
- ^ NATO summit Warsaw July 2016
- ^ Wilson 1998, p. 73.
- ^ Piotrowski, General Pete (2014). Basic Airman to General: The Secret War & Other Conflicts. p. 447. ISBN 978-1-4931-6186-7.
- ^ Gunston, Bill (1985). The Illustrated Encyclopedia of the World's Modern Military Aircraft. Leisure Books. ISBN 978-0-517-22477-9.
- ^ a b "E-3 Sentry (AWACS): Specifications". globalsecurity.org. Archived from the original on 10 September 2011. Retrieved 18 August 2011.
- ^ "Boeing E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS)" (PDF). Boeing. Archived from the original (PDF) on 18 March 2006. Retrieved 22 August 2011.
- ^ "E-3 Sentry (AWACS)". globalsecurity.org. Archived from the original on 3 September 2009. Retrieved 9 November 2009.
- ^ "E-3 Sentry (AWACS)". Federation of American Scientists. 23 April 2000. Archived from the original on 19 June 2011. Retrieved 13 July 2011.
- ^ a b "E-3 Sentry (AWACS)". globalsecurity.org. Archived from the original on 12 May 2007. Retrieved 26 May 2007.
- ^ "AWACS For United Kingdom and France". Boeing. Archived from the original on 27 February 2007. Retrieved 26 May 2007.
- ^ "DRAGON program to improve aging E-3". af.mil. Archived from the original on 24 April 2018. Retrieved 14 April 2018.
- ^ Chen, Ernie (1 October 2017). "The Future of AWACS: Technological Advancement or Technological Relic" – via Defense Technical Information Center.
{{cite journal}}
: Cite journal requires|journal=
(help) - ^ "Director, Operational Test and Evaluation FY 2016 Annual Report" (PDF). dote.osd.mil. December 2016. pp. 361–363. Retrieved 26 November 2020.
- ^ "E-3 AWACS Block 40/45 Pushed Back Two Years". www.defense-aerospace.com. Retrieved 27 November 2020.
- ^ "E-3 Sentry (AWACS)". www.globalsecurity.org. Retrieved 27 November 2020.
- ^ Boeing E-3G makes Middle East combat debut Archived 20 November 2015 at the Wayback Machine – Flightglobal.com, 19 November 2015
- ^ a b c d e f g Wilson 1998, p 75.
- ^ a b "U.S. and NATO AWACS". Boeing. Archived from the original on 14 August 2011. Retrieved 21 August 2011.
- ^ a b Veronico and Dunn 2004, p. 83.
- ^ https://shape.nato.int/resources/21/NATO%20Operations,%201949-Present.pdf
- ^ "AWACS For United Kingdom and France". Boeing. Archived from the original on 27 March 2011. Retrieved 26 September 2010.
- ^ "E-3 Specifications (707 Platform) and Worldwide Fleet". Boeing. Archived from the original on 27 March 2011. Retrieved 26 September 2010.
- ^ RAF Sentry AEW aircraft deploys in support of counter-IS mission Archived 2 February 2015 at the Wayback Machine – Flightglobal.com, 2 February 2015
- ^ "Military Safety". Flight International. 4–10 June 1997. p. 44. Archived from the original on 9 March 2012. Retrieved 23 August 2011.
- ^ ″The history of the TCA Squadron.″ Archived 28 May 2016 at the Wayback Machine NATO AWACS
- ^ "NATO starts patrolling Libyan air space". The Australian. 11 March 2011. Archived from the original on 2 February 2015. Retrieved 22 August 2011.
- ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 30 June 2015. Retrieved 7 July 2015.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - ^ "A NATO E-3A Arrives at Davis-Monthan AFB". dvidshub.net. Archived from the original on 14 April 2018. Retrieved 14 April 2018.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Pither 1998, pp. 40–42
- ^ a b "E-3 Sentry (AWACS) Variants". globalsecurity.org. Archived from the original on 10 September 2011. Retrieved 21 August 2011.
- ^ RAF official
- ^ The wait is over…E-3 Block 40/45 deploys to combat theater Archived 20 November 2015 at the Wayback Machine – AF.mil, 18 November 2015
- ^ Wilson 1998, p 76.
- ^ "Armed Forces Overview - Armée de l'Air". scramble.nl. Retrieved 17 March 2020.
- ^ The force performed large scale deployments outside its European bases twice, in 2001/2002 (Operation Eagle Assist, Tinker AFB - USA) and in 2011/2014 (Operation Afghan Assist, Mazar-e Sharif base - Afghanistan) "PAST OPERATIONS". awacs.nato.int. Retrieved 18 March 2020.
- ^ "E-3A COMPONENT". awacs.nato.int. Retrieved 18 March 2020.
- ^ "PARTICIPATING NATIONS". awacs.nato.int. Retrieved 18 March 2020.
Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, ... the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Turkey ... and the United States of America
- ^ "Airborne Early Warning and Control Force". awacs.nato.int. Retrieved 17 March 2020.
- ^ "Armed Forces Overview - NATO". scramble.nl. Retrieved 17 March 2020.
- ^ "FORWARD OPERATING BASES / LOCATIONS". awacs.nato.int. Retrieved 18 March 2020.
- ^ "NATO AWACS Organization - Trainer Cargo Squadron (TCA)". Archived from the original on 5 October 2016.
- ^ "NATO AWACS Organization - Flying Squadron One History and Overview". Archived from the original on 2 June 2016.
- ^ "NATO AWACS Organization - Flying Squadron Two History and Overview". Archived from the original on 12 June 2016.
- ^ "NATO AWACS Organization - Flying Squadron Three History and Overview". Archived from the original on 5 October 2016.
- ^ Wilson 1998, pp. 75–76.
- ^ "Armed Forces Overview - Royal Saudi Air Force". scramble.nl. Retrieved 17 March 2020.
- ^ "Sentry AEW1 (E-3D)". RAF.mod. Retrieved 10 December 2020.
- ^ "UK SENTRY FLEET HALVED IN LESS THAN 12 MONTHS". Key.Aero. 14 February 2020. Retrieved 10 December 2020.
- ^ "Wedgetail to be RAF's new early warning radar aircraft". Royal Air Force. 22 March 2019. Archived from the original on 22 March 2019. Retrieved 23 March 2019.
- ^ "Ministry of Defence: The Equipment Plan 2019 to 2029" (PDF). National Audit Office. 27 February 2020. Retrieved 23 May 2020.
- ^ "E-3D COMPONENT". awacs.nato.int. Retrieved 18 March 2020.
- ^ Quin, Jeremy (8 June 2020). "AWACS: Procurement:Written question - 51653". UK Parliament. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
- ^ a b c "E-3D". Royal Air Force. Archived from the original on 23 March 2019. Retrieved 23 March 2019.
- ^ "23 Squadron". Royal Air Force. Archived from the original on 14 January 2011. Retrieved 23 March 2019.
- ^ "World Air Forces 2020 - page 32". Flight International. Retrieved 17 March 2020.
- ^ "Factsheets : 968 Expeditionary Airborne Air Control Squadron (ACC)". www.afhra.af.mil. Archived from the original on 20 April 2016. Retrieved 4 April 2016.
- ^ International Institute for Strategic Studies (2018). The Military Balance. p. 64. ISBN 978-1857439557.
- ^ "Armed Forces Overview - USAF - Conus - Central". scramble.nl. Retrieved 17 March 2020.
- ^ "CVR transcript Boeing E-3 USAF Yukla 27–22 SEP 1995". Aviation Safety Network. 16 October 2004. Archived from the original on 12 October 2011. Retrieved 21 August 2011.
- ^ "Yukla 27". Airborne Early Warning Association. Archived from the original on 10 August 2011. Retrieved 22 August 2011.
- ^ Ranter, Harro. "ASN Aircraft accident Boeing E-3A Sentry (707-300B) LX-N90457 Préveza-Aktion Airport (PVK)". aviation-safety.net. Retrieved 24 September 2019.
- ^ "E-3 damaged while landing at Nellis AFB". Air Combat Command. Retrieved 24 September 2019.
Bibliography
- Davies, Ed. "AWACS Origins: Brassboard – Quest for the E-3 Radar". Air Enthusiast. No. 119, September/October 2005. Stamford, Lincs, UK: Key Publishing. pp. 2–6. ISSN 0143-5450.
- Eden, Paul, ed. (2004). The Encyclopedia of Modern Military Aircraft. London: Amber Books. ISBN 1-904687-84-9.
{{cite book}}
: CS1 maint: ref duplicates default (link) - Hurturk, Kivanc N (1998). History of the Boeing 707. Buchair UK. ISBN 0-9666368-0-5.
- Lake, Jon. "Aircraft of the RAF – Part 10 Sentry AEW.1". Air International. No. Vol 76 No. 2, February 2009. Stamford, UK: Key Publishing. pp. 44–47.
{{cite magazine}}
:|issue=
has extra text (help) - Pither, Tony (1998). The Boeing 707 720 and C-135. Air-Britain (Historians). ISBN 0-85130-236-X.
- Taylor, John W.R., ed. (1976). Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1976–77. London: Macdonald and Jane's. ISBN 0-354-00538-3.
- Veronico, Nick; Dunn, Jim (2004). 21st Century U.S. Air Power. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zenith Imprint. ISBN 978-0-7603-2014-3.
- Wilson, Stewart (1998). Boeing 707, Douglas DC-8, and Vickers VC-10. Fyshwick, Australia: Aerospace Publications. ISBN 1-875671-36-6.
{{cite book}}
: CS1 maint: ref duplicates default (link)