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.
Le 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)
Ruolo
Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS)
Equipaggio
4 Flight Crew; 13–19 Mission Specialists
First Flight
October 31, 1975 (EC-137D)
Motopropulsore
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
Velocità massima
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.
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