AEW&C Aircraft
Boeing E-3 Sentry AWACS
The E-3 Sentry is an airborne warning and control system (AWACS) aircraft made by Boeing in the United States, in service since 1977. Based on the 707, it carries a rotating radar dome and has been the model for airborne battle management.
United States|BoeingWhat Is the Boeing E-3 Sentry AWACS? Overview, History and Development
The E-3 prototype EC-137D flew in 1972, and the first E-3 flew on 25 May 1976, entering service in March 1977. It uses a 707-320B airframe with a 9.1 m rotating radar dome carrying the AN/APY-1 or APY-2 pulse-Doppler radar, which is commonly credited with detecting low-flying aircraft beyond 400 km. A flight crew of four is joined by 13–19 mission specialists. Four TF33 engines of about 96 kN give a speed of about 855 km/h, a range of about 7,400 km and more than eight hours of endurance.
A total of 68 were built until 1992. The USAF has about 14 operational E-3s as of March 2026, at Tinker Air Force Base, and a planned retirement was reportedly reversed in May 2026, so check current news. NATO operates about 14 at Geilenkirchen, France four E-3Fs and Saudi Arabia five E-3As. The UK retired its E-3Ds in July 2021. The E-3 was used in the Gulf War, the Balkans, Noble Eagle and Operation Inherent Resolve. The Wedgetail and GlobalEye are replacing it.
Boeing E-3 Sentry AWACS Specifications: Speed, Range, Engines and Armament
Boeing E-3 Sentry AWACS Variants and Versions Compared
The original USAF version with AN/APY-1 radar.
The British version with CFM56 engines, retired in 2021.
The upgraded USAF standard with a new mission computing system and better radar.
Which Countries Use the Boeing E-3 Sentry AWACS? Operators and Users
United States
France
Saudi ArabiaBoeing E-3 Sentry AWACS FAQ: Price, Range, Operators and Most Asked Questions
How many E-3 Sentries does the US have?
The USAF has about 14 operational E-3 Sentries as of March 2026, based at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma. A planned retirement was reportedly reversed in May 2026.
What is the range of the E-3 Sentry radar?
The E-3 Sentry’s radar is commonly credited with detecting low-flying aircraft beyond 400 km and high-altitude targets up to about 650 km. It can track hundreds of targets at once.
Which countries use the E-3 Sentry?
The E-3 Sentry is used by the United States, France, Saudi Arabia and NATO’s multinational AWACS force at Geilenkirchen. The UK retired its E-3Ds in July 2021.
Does Türkiye use the E-3 AWACS?
Türkiye does not operate E-3 Sentries, but it flies four Boeing 737 AEW&C Peace Eagle aircraft. Turkish crews have worked alongside NATO’s AWACS at Geilenkirchen.
E-3 Sentry vs E-7 Wedgetail: what is the difference?
The E-7 Wedgetail is a newer AEW&C aircraft based on the 737, with a modern AESA radar, and it is replacing the E-3 in the UK and later in NATO. The E-3 uses a rotating dome on a 1970s 707 airframe.
How much does an E-3 Sentry cost?
An E-3 Sentry cost roughly 100–120 million US dollars per aircraft in the 1970s and 1980s, a hedged estimate. A modern E-7-class replacement costs far more.