The E-3 Sentry is an airborne communications, surveillance and early warning aircraft jointly produced by Boeing, Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin and Rockwell Collins.

This “flying radar” is responsible for command and control, combat management, detection, classification and tracking of targets and threats in the air and at sea in all weather conditions.

The E-3 Sentry is built based on the design of the Boeing 707-320B aircraft, adding a 9.1m diameter radar dome containing the AN/APY-1 and 2 passive electronically scanned array radar made by Northrop Grumman. manufactured and integrated with many modern sensor systems.

The unique rotating design of the radar dome helps reduce aerodynamic drag and reduce adverse effects on the aircraft’s take-off ability and durability. This tilt is adjusted by the radar and the surveillance radar antenna phase shifter. The E-3’s radar system allows monitoring airspace within a radius of 402km from land and water surfaces up to the stratosphere.

The E-3 has a length of 46.61m, a wingspan of 44.42m, and a height of 12.6m. Using the Pratt and Whitney TF33-PW-100A engine, the E-3 can reach a maximum speed of up to 855km/h, with a flight ceiling of 12,500m.

In terms of weapons, the E-3 can carry four AIM-9L/M Sidewinder short-range air-to-air missiles to increase self-defense against aerial threats.

The E-3 Sentry is currently in service with the air forces of the US, UK, Saudi Arabia, France, the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force and NATO.