E-8C Joint Stars

Mission
The Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (Joint STARS) is an airborne platform equipped with a long-range, air-to-ground surveillance system designed to locate, classify, and track ground targets in all weather conditions. Its capabilities make Joint STARS effective for dealing with and contingency, whether actual or impending military aggression, international treaty verification, or border violations.

Characteristics
Primary Function: Ground surveillance
Builder: Northrop Grumman Corp.
Power Plant: Four JT3D engines
Length: 152 feet, 11 inches (46.6 meters)
Height: 42 feet, 6 inches (12.9 meters)
Wingspan: 145 feet, 9 inches (44.4 meters)
Speed: Mach 0.84
Endurance: 11 hours; 20 hours with air refueling
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 155,000 pounds (70,307 kilograms)(fuel); 336,000 pounds (152,408 kilograms)(gross)
Crew: Flight drew of 4 plus mission crew of 18 Army and Air Force specialists (mission crew size varies according to mission)
Date Deployed: 1996
Unit Cost: Approximately $225 million
Inventory: Active force = 2 (13 to be delivered to Air Force by 2004); ANG = 0; Reserve = 0

 

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