Boeing E-3A Sentry (AWACS)

Jonyaviation 🇩🇪

08 Feb 2026 · © Unknown

The large radar dome on top (rotodome) is a defining feature for the E-3 series. Special NATO 40th anniversary livery.

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Aircraft

E-3A Sentry (AWACS) E3CF

NATO (blue/white special livery)

LX-N 90450

Registration

Airline

NATO

NAE

Manufacturer

Boeing

Gear

iPhone

Insights

Aviation History

The Boeing E-3 Sentry is the definitive airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) platform, central to NATO's air command missions since the 1980s.

Fleet Rarity

Only 17 NATO E-3As remain operational as of early 2020s; each commonly recognized as a rare sight.

Record Flights

Has participated in numerous long-duration surveillance and command flights across multiple continents.

Safety & Events

No major public incidents for this frame; NATO E-3s have participated in many major exercises and real-world missions, including the Balkan wars and Middle East operations.

Future Outlook

Fleet is planned for retirement and replacement by 2035.

Specifications

CFM56-2A-3

Engine

44.42 m

Wingspan

46.68 m

Length

7,400 km

Range

800 km/h

Speed

Crew: up to 19 (plus 13 mission specialists)

Capacity

147,000 kg

MTOW

12.73 m

Height

97.9 kN (22,000 lbf) per engine

Thrust

ICAO Chapter 3 (varies by engine/payload)

Noise