O Boeing E-3 Sentinela, comumente conhecido como AWACS, é uma aeronave americana de alerta e controle aéreo (AEW&C) desenvolvida pela Boeing. Derivado do Boeing 707, fornece vigilância, comando, controle e comunicações, e é usado pela Força Aérea dos Estados Unidos, OTAN, Força Aérea Real, Força Aérea Francesa e Força Aérea Real Saudita. O E-3 é distinguido pela distinta cúpula de radar rotativo acima da fuselagem. A produção terminou em 1992 depois que 68 aeronaves foram construídas.
Fonte: Boeing E-3 Sentinela na Wikipédia
Mais informações:
The 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.