Boeing E-3 Sentry (AWACS)

The E-3 Sentry is the U.S. Air Force's Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft, built by Boeing on a modified 707-320 commercial airframe and topped by a distinctive 30-foot rotating radar dome. It provides all-weather surveillance, command, control and communications for U.S., NATO and allied air-defense forces, detecting and tracking aircraft at long range, distinguishing friend from foe, and directing fighters in the air battle.

Test and evaluation began in 1975, and the first E-3s reached the 552nd wing at Tinker Air Force Base in 1977. Console operators aboard manage surveillance, identification, weapons control and battle management, relaying data to commanders ashore, afloat or in Washington. Proven in Desert Storm, Allied Force, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, the Sentry can patrol for more than eight hours unrefueled, far longer with aerial refueling.

The U.S., NATO, Britain, France and Saudi Arabia have all operated the type, which remains the world's premier air-battle command aircraft.