The story
That giant rotating disk on top of a 707? That's the E-3 Sentry, the original AWACS — Airborne Warning And Control System. Its radar reaches out more than 250 miles, and the crew inside uses that picture to run the air battle from high altitude.
The rotodome is 30 feet across and 6 feet thick, held 11 feet above the fuselage on two struts. When the radar is working, it turns at six revolutions per minute.
Quick answers
How do you identify a E-3 Sentry (AWACS)?
Giant rotating radar dome (rotodome) on top of a 707 fuselage. You cannot miss this aircraft.
What does a E-3 Sentry (AWACS) sound like?
Four TF33 engines — classic 707 sound, but with a 30-foot rotating radar dome on top.
How fast is the E-3 Sentry (AWACS)?
Top speed is 461 kts.
How many people does the E-3 Sentry (AWACS) carry?
Typical configuration: Flight crew of 4 plus 13-19 mission specialists.
How far can the E-3 Sentry (AWACS) fly?
Range is about 4,000+ nmi.
How big is the E-3 Sentry (AWACS)?
It is 152 ft 11 in long and 145 ft 9 in across the wings.
When did the E-3 Sentry (AWACS) first fly?
Its first flight was in 1976.
How many E-3 Sentry (AWACS)s have been built?
68 built.
How rare is a E-3 Sentry (AWACS) in Bogey?
LEGENDARY. The top tier. Spotters plan trips around a catch like this. Your first E-3 Sentry (AWACS) catch is worth 1,000 points.
