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This Day in Military Aviation History: February 9th 1972 – First flight of the Boeing E-3 Sentry (EC-137D), an American airborne warning and control system (AWACS) prototype derived from the Boeing 707 which will lead to the final version of the E-3 Sentry. 

The Boeing E-3 Sentry, commonly known as AWACS, is an airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft developed by Boeing as the prime contractor. Derived from the Boeing 707, it provides all-weather surveillance, command, control and communications, and is used by the United States Air Force (USAF), NATO, Royal Air Force (RAF), French Air Force and Royal Saudi Air Force. The E-3 is distinguished by the distinctive rotating radar dome above the fuselage. Production ended in 1992 after 68 aircraft had been built.

In 1963, the USAF asked for proposals for an Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) to replace its EC-121 Warning Stars, which had served in the airborne early warning role for over a decade. The new aircraft would take advantage of improvements in radar technology which allowed airborne radars to “look down” and detect low-flying aircraft, even over land, which was previously impractical due to ground clutter.

E-3 FB SP

Photo (L) Photo n. P48167 released by The Boeing Company / Boeing E-3 Sentry, c/n 20518/898

Poster Art (R) Boeing Field E-3 Seattle Poster by – Squadron Posters!

http://www.squadronposters.com/product-category/aircraft/reconnaissance/e-3-awacs/

At Squadron Posters we turn military Bases into vintage themed travel posters that are:

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