Product Description
The Boeing E-3 Sentry (AWACS) is an early warning and control aircraft based on the Boeing 707, and is characterized by its huge disc-shaped radar dome on its back.
It has been in service with the US Air Force since 1977 and has also been adopted by NATO, France, the UK, Saudi Arabia, and other countries.
Its predecessor, the EC-121 (a Lockheed Constellation derivative) which had been in service since the 1950s, had limited detection capabilities.
New requirements: The same aircraft needed to be able to detect low-flying aircraft (look-down capability) and provide command and control functions, and development of a successor aircraft began in the 1960s.
Adopted aircraft: A modified Boeing 707-320B. In 1970, the Boeing proposal was officially adopted, beating out the McDonnell Douglas DC-8.
A disc-shaped radar dome with a diameter of 9.1 m and a thickness of 1.8 m is installed at the rear of the fuselage.
The radar uses a digital pulse Doppler system and can detect low-altitude targets and ships.
Wide-area monitoring is possible with over-the-horizon mode (BTH mode).
The aircraft's exterior walls and cockpit windshield were treated with electromagnetic wave protection.
[Performance and Operation]
- Endurance: The US Air Force and NATO version can stay airborne for up to 8 hours, while the British, French, and Saudi Arabian version (CFM56 engine) can stay airborne for approximately 11 hours. This can be extended further with in-flight refueling.
Crew environment: Rest and dining areas will be provided on board in preparation for long-term missions.
The first aircraft was deployed in 1977 at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma.
-Deployed in Japan at Kadena Air Base since 1980.
- The Japan Air Self-Defense Force introduced the E-767 as a replacement for the 707, as production of the 707 has ended.
- US Air Force (main operator) - NATO joint operator (registered in Luxembourg) Royal Air Force (AEW. Mk1) French Air Force, Saudi Arabian Air Force.
The E-3 Sentry is not just a flying radar, but also serves as an aerial command center, controlling fighter jets and ground forces.
-It has been the core of the air defense network from the Cold War to the present day.
( This is a machine translation. Please allow for possible misinterpretations in the text. )
Item Size/Weight : 37 x 24 x 4.5 cm / 328g
Product Specifications
- Item code
- RE14345
- JAN code
- 4544032920845
Purchase Information
This item is limited to 1 per household.