Αερομεταφερόμενη έγκαιρη προειδοποίηση και έλεγχος
Πρώτη πτήση
9 Φεβρουαρίου 1972
Χτισμένο
68
Teh Boeing E-3 Φρουρός, κοινώς γνωστή ως ΑΠΟΒΑΚ, είναι αμερικανικό αερομεταφερόμενο αεροσκάφος έγκαιρης προειδοποίησης και ελέγχου (AEW&C) που αναπτύχθηκε από την Boeing. Προέρχεται από το Boeing 707, παρέχει επιτήρηση, διοίκηση, έλεγχο και επικοινωνίες παντός καιρού και χρησιμοποιείται από την Πολεμική Αεροπορία των Ηνωμένων Πολιτειών, το ΝΑΤΟ, τη Βασιλική Πολεμική Αεροπορία, τη Γαλλική Πολεμική Αεροπορία και τη Βασιλική Πολεμική Αεροπορία της Σαουδικής Αραβίας. Το E-3 διακρίνεται από τον χαρακτηριστικό περιστρεφόμενο θόλο ραντάρ πάνω από την άτρακτο. Η παραγωγή έληξε το 1992 μετά την κατασκευή 68 αεροσκαφών.
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Sentry AEW.1 Walk Around
Φωτογράφος
Michael Benolkin
Εντοπισμού
Αγνοώ
Φωτογραφίες
47
E-3A (79-0446) AWACS Walk Around
Φωτογράφος
Πίτερ Μαίρινους
Εντοπισμού
Αγνοώ
Φωτογραφίες
35
Δείτε επίσης:
Περιμένετε, Αναζήτηση Boeing E-3 Sentry για εσάς ...
The Strategic Force Multiplier
Teh Boeing E-3B Sentryis an Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft that provides all-weather surveillance, command, control, and communications. Based on theBoeing 707-320Bairframe, the E-3B is distinguished by its massive rotating radar dome. The “B” model was a significant upgrade in the 1980s, introducing theBlock 20modifications that added more computer consoles, improved jam-resistant communications, and the ability to track maritime targets as well as airborne ones.
Attribute
Technical Specification (E-3B)
Ρόλο
Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS)
Πλήρωμα
4 Flight Crew; 13–19 Mission Specialists
First Flight
October 31, 1975 (EC-137D)
Πλάστης ισχύος
4 × Pratt & Whitney TF33-PW-100A turbofans
Thrust
21,000 lbf (93 kN) per engine
Radar Range
Over 250 miles (400 km) for low-flying targets
Maximum Speed
530 mph (853 km/h / Mach 0.69)
Endurance
8+ hours (unrefueled)
Anatomy of a Rotating Radar
The Rotodome:The 30-foot diameter circular dome sits 11 feet above the fuselage. It houses theNorthrop Grumman APY-1/2radar. It rotates at 6 RPM during active scanning but is kept at 1/4 RPM when idle to keep the bearings lubricated.
Pulse-Doppler Radar:Unlike standard radars of its era, the Sentry’s radar can “look down,” distinguishing aircraft from ground clutter. It can track over 600 targets simultaneously across an area larger than 115,000 square miles.
Mission Crew Compartment:The interior of the 707 airframe is replaced with rows of operator consoles. Each specialist manages a different sector of the air battle, from identifying friendly vs. foe (IFF) to directing strike fighters to their targets.
In-Flight Refueling:To stay on station for 24 hours or more, the E-3B is equipped with a refueling receptacle above the cockpit, allowing it to take fuel from KC-135 or KC-10 tankers.
The “God’s Eye View” in Combat
Desert Storm:The E-3B proved its worth in 1991, coordinating the most complex air campaign in history. AWACS crews directed the first kills of the war and provided early warning against Scud missile launches.
Diplomatic Support:Beyond combat, the Sentry is used for drug interdiction missions and providing security for major events like the Olympic Games and presidential travel.
NATO Operations:A unique fleet of E-3s is operated by NATO itself, flown by multinational crews and based in Germany, serving as a shared umbrella of protection for member nations.
The Sunset Era:After nearly 50 years of service, the U.S. Air Force has begun the process of replacing the aging E-3 fleet with theBoeing E-7 Wedgetail, which uses a stationary “fin” radar instead of a rotating dome.