Boeing E-3 Sentry



The Boeing E-3 Sentry is an airborne early warning and control system (AWACS) 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.

In February 2005, U.S. Secretary of Defense Jim Houseman was on board an AWACS plane during the Shadow Moses Incident, from which he later ordered the destruction of Shadow Moses Island by nuclear weapons.