Boeing E-3 Sentry
Boeing · United States · first flew 1972 · reconnaissance aircraft
The Boeing E-3 Sentry is an airborne warning and control system (AWACS) aircraft, a militarised 707 carrying a rotating surveillance radar high above its rear fuselage.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, swept |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 4 × turbofan, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | large rotating radar dome mounted on struts above the rear fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- large rotating radar dome mounted on struts above the rear fuselage
- 707-style swept low wing with four underwing turbofans
- elongated fuselage with minimal cabin windows
The unmistakable rotating rotodome atop the rear fuselage, mounted on two struts, distinguishes it instantly from any other 707 derivative.
Specifications
- The Boeing E-3 Sentry has a length of 46.61 m (153 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 44.42 m (146 ft).
- Typical crew: 4 flight crew plus mission specialists.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Developed to give NATO and US forces a long-range airborne radar picket, the E-3 first flew in 1972 and entered USAF service in 1977, built on the proven Boeing 707-320 airframe.
Variants
Variants include the US E-3A/B/C, the NATO E-3A, and UK, French and Saudi versions, differing mainly in radar and mission systems.
Where you'll see it
It remains in front-line service with the USAF, NATO, France, Saudi Arabia and Chile; the RAF retired its Sentry fleet in 2021 and three of its aircraft went to Chile, providing airborne command and control.
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