Heller 80308 E-3B AWACS

Boeing E-3A Sentry AWACS. The E-3 is a universal, noise-resistant, airborne radar reconnaissance and command post (AWACS - Airborne Warning And Control System). The design of this system was completed in 1976. The design of the E-3 is based on the passenger Boeing 707 (new version based on the Boeing 767). In 1968, two companies, Westinghouse and Hughes, began developing a radar for the new aircraft. After intensive comparative tests, on October 5, 1972, a decision was made to choose the Westinghouse radar. On January 26, 1973, after reviewing the work to date and changing requirements, the USAF decided to purchase 34 E-3A aircraft, which in the basic variant were to be adapted for the time being to detect only objects over land. In June 1979, an airplane was tested with a new radar, designated AN / APY-2, capable of detecting sea targets and sea targets. Technical data: Maximum speed: 855 km / h, maximum ceiling 10000 m, operating radius: 1610 km, armament: the plane is unarmed