Le Boeing E-3 Sentry, comunemente noto come AWACS, è un aereo americano di preallarme e controllo (AEW & C) sviluppato da Boeing. Derivato dal Boeing 707, fornisce sorveglianza, comando, controllo e comunicazioni per tutte le condizioni atmosferiche ed è utilizzato dalla United States Air Force, dalla NATO, dalla Royal Air Force, dall'aeronautica francese e dalla Royal Saudi Air Force. L'E-3 si distingue per la caratteristica cupola radar rotante sopra la fusoliera. La produzione terminò nel 1992 dopo che erano stati costruiti 68 esemplari.
fonte: Boeing E-3 Sentry su Wikipedia
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Le Boeing E-3 Sentry is a military airborne warning and control system (AWACS) aircraft developed by Boeing as the prime contractor. Derived from the Boeing 707, it provides all-weather surveillance, command, control, and communications to the United States, NATO and other air defense forces. The E-3 is distinguished by the distinctive rotating radar dome above the fuselage. Production ended in 1992 after 68 aircraft had been built.
The E-3 Sentry’s role is to carry out airborne surveillance and command and control functions for both tactical and air defense forces. It can detect, identify, and track airborne enemy forces far from the boundaries of the U.S. or NATO countries and can direct fighter-interceptor aircraft to these targets. In support of air-to-ground operations, the E-3 can provide direct information needed for interdiction, reconnaissance, airlift and close-air support for friendly ground forces. It can also provide information for commanders of air operations to gain and maintain control of the air battle. The E-3 can fly a mission profile for more than eight hours without refueling. Its range and on-station time can be increased through in-flight refueling and the use of an on-board crew rest area.