NATO E-3 AWACS
AWACS Configuration
The NATO E-3 was built upon the successfully developed and deployed U.S. Air Force E-3. The original U.S. Air Force E-3, often referred to as the "Core E-3," uses an electronically sophisticated radar able to detect high- and low-flying aircraft. Its range extends beyond 400 kilometers when the E-3 is flying at 9,000 meters, and its surveillance volume is scanned by the identification friend or foe (IFF), thus providing a means of sorting friendly from hostile aircraft.
The antennas for both of these mission systems are housed in a 9.1-meter-diameter rotating radome that is carried atop the AWACS. The structure rotates every 10 seconds, providing 360-degree surveillance coverage. Coupled with the modern surveillance systems are extensive avionics equipment for navigation, communications, data processing and display. These are integrated into a Boeing 707-320B, modified to accommodate the missionequipment and crew of 17, and powered with four Pratt & Whitney TF-33 turbofan engines.
Standard Configuration
All NATO and U.S. E-3 systems delivered in and after December 1981 were in the "standard" configuration. This configuration built upon the core E-3 by enhancing the radar not only to detect airborne targets in clutter, but also
to detect maritime vessels operating in such areas as the North Sea and Mediterranean Sea. The already versatile communication links on the E-3 were improved further by the addition of the newly developed JTIDS (Joint Tactical Information Distribution System). JTIDS allows a large volume of information to be transmitted in seconds to many users. The system uses special technology and techniques for protection against electronic jamming and enemy eavesdropping.
Additionally, the AWACS computer was enhanced to increase capacity and speed. This allows the operational computer programs to expand their functions and to provide increased track-handling and communications processing.
The first standard E-3 was delivered to the U.S. Air Force in December 1981 after an extensive test and qualification period.
NATO took delivery of its first production E-3 in January 1982. The 18th system was delivered April 25, 1985, ahead of schedule and below the contract price agreed upon five years earlier.