What will replace the E-3 AWACS?
E-7 airborne early
The US Air Force (USAF) has selected Boeing’s E-7 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft as the replacement for the E-3 Sentry airborne warning and control system (AWACS) aircraft.
What is the E-3 AWACS known for?
The E-3 airborne warning and control system (AWACS) is built by Boeing Defense & Space Group. The role of the E-3 is to carry out airborne surveillance and command, control and communications (C3) functions for tactical and air defence forces. In the USA, the aircraft carries the designation E-3 AWACS.
What plane is used for AWACS?
Boeing 707
The NATO E-3A (or AWACS) is a modified Boeing 707 equipped with long-range radar and passive sensors capable of detecting air and surface contacts over large distances. Information collected by AWACS can be transmitted directly from the aircraft to other users on land, at sea or in the air in near real time.
Are AWACS outdated?
How safe is the AWACS? The NATO E-3A AWACS aircraft, purchased about 35 years ago, have been constantly modernized. As a result, this version of the aircraft is the most modern and versatile AWACS currently in service.
Is AWACS going away?
The Air Force plans to retire half its AWACS fleet of E-3 Sentries and most E-8C JSTARS in fiscal 2023 and 2024, but it anticipates a delay between the retirements and new space-based ISR capabilities that could replace them, Air Force leaders said as the 2023 budget request rolled out.
How many e3 AWACS are there?
In March 1977 the 552nd Airborne Warning and Control Wing (now 552nd Air Control Wing, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla.), received the first E-3s. There are 31 aircraft in the U.S. inventory. Air Combat Command has 27 E-3s at Tinker. Pacific Air Forces has four E-3 Sentries at Kadena AB, Japan and Elmendorf AFB, Alaska.
How many E-3 AWACS are there?
How much does an E-3 AWACS cost?
Approximately $270 million
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Primary Function | Airborne surveillance, command, control and communications |
| Unit Cost | Approximately $270 million |
| Crew | Flight crew of four plus mission crew of 13-19 specialists (mission crew size varies according to mission) |
| Date Deployed | March 1977 |