USAF Photo U.S. Air Force has deployed the upgraded E-3 Sentry (AWACS) Block 40/45 version to Middle East combat theater for the first...
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| USAF Photo |
U.S. Air Force has deployed the upgraded E-3 Sentry (AWACS) Block 40/45 version to Middle East combat theater for the first time.
The E-3G Airborne Warning and Control System features improved communications, computer processing power, threat tracking and other capabilities,
The first E-3G arrived in Southwest Asia on Nov. 18, and will immediately begin flying combat missions as a part of Operation Inherent Resolve against ISIS in Syria and Iraq.
The $2.7 billion upgrades represents the most significant capability enhancement in the 35-plus year history of the E-3, replacing some hardware and software that dates to the 1970s, signaling a game-changer to airborne surveillance and air battle management.
To date, nine of the 27 E-3s assigned to the 552nd ACW have received the modification and have met their crew certification on the Block 40/45 systems.
The Block 40/45 provides operational and technological reliability, maintainability, supportability, and integration of future technologies and growth opportunities.
The new modifications also automate previously manual functions and improve the amount of data E-3 aircrews can receive and share with allied forces on missions such as counter-drug surveillance.
The upgrade has been a partnership between the 552nd ACW; the E-3 System Program Offices at Hanscom AFB, Massachusetts; Tinker AFB; the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex, which performs the modification; and the Boeing Co., the prime contractor. Approximately five aircraft are being modified each year.
The E-3G model reached initial operating capability on July 28, 2015. While the E-3Gs have been flown in counter-drug operations for U.S. Southern Command and in homeland defense missions as part of Operation Noble Eagle, they have yet to be flown in active combat missions until now.
Known for its signature black-and-white rotating radar dome that sits on top of the aircraft, the E-3 provides all-weather surveillance, command, control and communications needed by commanders of U.S., NATO and other allied air defense forces.
In support of air-to-ground operations, the Sentry can provide direct information needed for interdiction, reconnaissance, airlift and close air support to friendly ground forces. It can also provide information for commanders of air operations to gain and maintain control of the air battle.
As an air defense system, E-3s can detect, identify and track airborne enemy forces far from boundaries of the U.S. or NATO countries. It can direct fighter-interceptor aircraft to enemy targets. The E-3 is designed to respond quickly and effectively to a crisis and support worldwide deployment operations.
The E-3 can also fly a mission profile for more than eight hours without refueling. Its range and on-station time can be increased through in-flight refueling and the use of an onboard crew rest area.
The 552nd ACW is home to the E-3, with 27 of the fleet's 31 AWACS being housed at Tinker. The remaining aircraft are stationed at Kadena Air Base, Japan, and Joint Base Elemendorf-Richardson, Alaska.
The E-3 is based on a Boeing 707 platform and was first delivered to USAF in 1977.
