TALKING PAPER ON THE E-3 SENTRY – Purpose: Identify E-3 sentry characteristics,missions, Air Force roles, and significant contribution to Operation DesertShield – Characteristics and Mission: The E-3 Sentry is an airframe that functionsas an Airborne Early Warning and Control System(AWACS) — The aircraft was created asa modification of the Boeing 707 passenger plane in which a large radar detection dome,computer displays, and upgraded communication systems were added1 — The crewmembers encompass systemtechnicians, rated officers (pilots, navigators, and air battle managers), andsystem operators who collaborate to accomplish various mission types2 — The original computers anddisplays were created in the 1970s, but United States E-3 Sentry aircraft are currentlybeing upgraded with a modernized commercial computer interface3 – Role in the Air Force: The E-3sentry conducts airborne asset management, directs attack aircraft, and provides longrange battle area observation — The E-3 Sentry is a largeplatform capable of conducting “Air surveillance, command and control, battle spacemanagement and communications”4 — The E-3 has been employedin many operations including Desert Storm, Desert Shield, Allied Force, EnduringFreedom, and Odyssey Dawn5 – Contributionto Desert Shield: E-3 crews were tasked to deployed during Operation Desert Shield, and contributed heavily to airbornemission success. — The command and control capabilitiesprovided by E-3 crews contributed to 38 of the 40 air- to-air kills during the operation, and managementof “over 120,000 coalition sorties6 — During the conflict, TheE-3 system collected and recorded all air war data that occurred while one of the airframes was on station7 – Conclusion: The E-3 sentry isan integral asset for effective air battle management, and continues to aid in accomplishingthe Air Force mission after decades of employment