Boeing E-3 Sentry (AWACS)

eli1483d 🇬🇧

08 Feb 2026 · © Unknown

The tail markings 'OK' indicate assignment to Tinker AFB, Oklahoma, home of the 552nd Air Control Wing.

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General Dynamics / Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon

Aircraft

E-3 Sentry (AWACS) E-3

U.S. Air Force

OK 55054

Registration

Airline

U.S. Air Force

USAF

Manufacturer

Boeing

Location

Glasgow Prestwick Airport

PIK/EGPK

55.5015, -4.5772

Open map

Glasgow Prestwick Airport PIK

Airport

Insights

Aviation History

The E-3 Sentry is one of the world's most recognizable airborne early warning & control aircraft, crucial for NATO and USAF operations since the late 1970s.

Fleet Rarity

Moderately rare with less than 70 built worldwide, most serving the USAF, NATO, UK, France, and Saudi Arabia.

Record Flights

Frequently used for transatlantic ferry flights, long-duration NATO and coalition patrols.

Safety & Events

Various deployments in major conflicts from Desert Storm to current NATO operations. None particularly notorious for incidents.

Future Outlook

USAF Sentries are being replaced by Boeing E-7 Wedgetail starting mid-2020s; many E-3s will be retired, stored, or museum-preserved.

Specifications

CFM56-2A-3 (early models may use TF33 engines)

Engine

44.42 m

Wingspan

46.68 m

Length

7,400 km

Range

800 km/h

Speed

Flight & mission crew: ~20-25

Capacity

151,957 kg

MTOW

12.73 m

Height

98 kN (22,000 lbf) per engine (CFM56-2A-3 variant)

Thrust

Typically 91-95 dB (pre-Stage 3 standard - varies by engine and block)

Noise

Photo is a bit blurry due to low light and motion, but aircraft is still easily recognizable.