Boeing E-3F Sentry

Based on the Boeing 707-320B airliner, the E-6B Sentry, is more commonly known by the acronym of its role – AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) was developed during the early 1970s for the US Air Force as a replacement for the EC-121 Warning Star. A total of 68 Sentrys were built between 1977 and 1992 and were delivered to the USAF, French Air Force, NATO, Saudi Arabia and the RAF. The RAF’s aircraft were the last to be produced however were the first to be retired in 2021, three of which have been acquired by Chile. The Sentry has a large rotating radome attached above the fuselage and the radar within can provide simultaneously monitor all altitudes from sea level to the stratosphere.

The French Air and Space Force operate a fleet of four E-3F Sentry’s which are all based at BA702 Avord in central France. The aircraft were originally based on the E-3C specification with CFM-56 engines and have been constantly improved throughout their service life since their first delivery in 1991.

In a very rare appearance as part of our ‘Eyes in the Skies’ theme, the French Air and Space Force will be providing an E-3F from 36e EC2A from Avord for static display at RIAT25.

Photo Credit: Chris Lofting