Boeing E-3 D Sentry

The airborne warning aircraft built for wide-area radar surveillance.

Overview

Boeing United States ICAO: E3CF 1977–1992 Active $330 million (1992)

The Boeing E-3D Sentry is an airborne early warning and control aircraft based on the 707 airframe. Equipped with a rotating radar dome, it provides long-range airspace surveillance. The aircraft has served with multiple air forces since the 1970s.

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Specifications

Units
Engine
4 × CFM International CFM56-2A3
Engine type
Turbofan
Thrust
4 × 24,000 lbf · 107 kN
Avionics
AN/APS-133 colour weather radar, Westinghouse Corporation AN/APY-1 or AN/APY-2
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
19 economy · 13 business
Crew
—
Cabin width
—
Cabin height
—
Cabin length
—
Exterior length
152 ft 11 in  ·  46.61 m
Tail height
41 ft 4 in  ·  12.60 m
Fuselage diameter
12 ft 4 in  ·  3.76 m
Wing span
145 ft 9 in  ·  44.42 m
Baggage volume
1,771 ft³  ·  50.2 m³
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
334,500 lb  ·  151,500 kg
Max landing weight
215,000 lb  ·  97,500 kg
Max payload
46,300 lb  ·  21,000 kg
Fuel capacity
23,850 gal · 90,300 L · 72,200 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
460 kt  ·  529 mph  ·  852 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
150 kt  ·  173 mph  ·  278 km/h
Range
5,000 nm  ·  5,750 mi  ·  9,260 km
Fuel burn
0.17 nm/gal  ·  0.08 km/L
Ceiling
43,000 ft  ·  13,100 m
Rate of climb
2,000 ft/min  ·  10 m/s
Takeoff distance
8,200 ft  ·  2,500 m
Landing distance
3,600 ft  ·  1,100 m
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Royal Air Force E-3D Sentry AWACS Reconnaisance Aircraft

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Operational Context

Boeing E-3D Sentry — airborne early warning and control aircraft

The E-3 first flew in 1972 and entered service in 1977. It features a distinctive rotating radar mounted above the fuselage. The E-3D variant serves the Royal Air Force with tailored avionics and systems.

Powered by four CFM56 turbofan engines producing approximately 22,000 pounds of thrust (98 kN) each, the E-3 cruises at around 450 knots (830 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight exceeds 340,000 pounds (154,200 kg). The radar system provides extensive airspace monitoring capability.

The Sentry coordinates air defense operations and supports coalition missions. Its command and control functions extend beyond simple surveillance. The aircraft remains a key component of airborne early warning fleets.