E-3 Sentry (AWACS)

Mission
The E-3 Sentry is an airborne warning and control system (AWACS) aircraft that provides all-weather surveillance, command, and communications needed by commanders of U.S. and NATO air defense forces. As proven in Desert Storm, it is the premier air battle command and control aircraft in the world today.

Characteristics
Primary Function: Airborne surveeillance, command, control, and communications
Builder: Boeing Aerospace Co.
Power Plant: Four Pratt and Whittney TF33-PW-100A turbofan engines
Thrust: 21,000 pounds, each engine
Length: 145 feet, 6 inches (44 meters)
Height: 41 feet, 4 inches (12.5 meters)
Wingspan: 130 feet, 10 inches (39.7 meters)
Speed: Optimum cruise 360 miles per hour (Mach 0.48)
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 347,000 pounds (156,150 kilograms)
Ceiling: Above 29,000 feet (8,788 meters)
Rotodome: 30 feet in diameter (9.1 meters), 6 feet thick (1.8 meters), mounted 11 feet (3.33 meters) above fuselage
Endurance: More than 8 hours (unrefueled)
Crew: Flight crew of four plus mission crew of 13-19 specialists (mission crew size varies according to mission)
Date Deployed: March 1977
Unit Cost: Approximately $270 million
Inventory: Active force = 33; Reserve = 0; Guard = 0

 

ALL INFORMATION IS FROM THE U.S. AIR FORCE WEBSITE