The Boeing E-3 Sentry is a airborne warning and control system (AWACS) aircraft introduced in March 1977 to replace the USAF's ageing fleet of Lockheed EC-121 Warning Stars, to reduce production and design costs it utilised the Boeing 707-320b commercial airliner airframe. A total of 68 aircraft were produced between 1977 and 1991 and are in service with the USAF, Royal Saudi Air Force, French Air Force and other NATO forces including the RAF who operate seven Boeing E-3D Sentry variants as the Sentry AEW1. The electrical power requirements of the Boeing E-3 Sentry are far greater than a normal aircraft (approximatly one Mega-Watt) and in consequence all four engines are fitted with alternators rather than the usual one or two. Boeing E-3 Sentry (US and Nato) Specifications: - Crew: Flight crew: 4
- Mission crew: 13-19
- Length: 152 ft 11 in (46.61 m)
- Wingspan: 145 ft 9 in (44.42 m)
- Height: 41 ft 4 in (12.6 m)
- Empty weight: 185,000 lb (73,480 kg)
- Loaded weight: 344,000 lb (with in-flight refuelling) (156,400 kg)
- Max takeoff weight: 325,000 lb (take off restricted weight) (147,000 kg)
- Engines: Four 21,500 lbf (93 kN) Pratt and Whitney TF33-PW-100A turbofans
- Maximum speed: 530 mph (855 km/h, 461 knots)
- Range: 4,000 NM (7,400 km)
- Service ceiling: 41,000 ft (12,500 m)
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