Which aircraft serves as the airborne warning and control system?

Which aircraft serves as the airborne warning and control system?

• A. KC-135 Stratotanker
• B. E-3 Sentry (AWACS)
• C. MQ-9 Reaper
• D. U-2

Answer: (B)

AWACS stands for Airborne Warning and Control System, delivering airborne surveillance, track coordination, and battle management from the air. The aircraft that serves this role is the E-3 Sentry, a modified 707 with a distinctive rotating radar dome above the fuselage. Its radar and mission systems provide 360-degree airspace surveillance, track sharing, and command-and-control for air defense and joint operations, making it the go-to platform for airborne warning and control. Other options are built for different purposes: the KC-135 Stratotanker is an aerial refueling aircraft; the MQ-9 Reaper is an unmanned ISR and strike drone; and the U-2 is a high-altitude reconnaissance platform. They do not perform the integrated air surveillance and battle-management role AWACS specializes in.

AWACS stands for Airborne Warning and Control System, delivering airborne surveillance, track coordination, and battle management from the air. The aircraft that serves this role is the E-3 Sentry, a modified 707 with a distinctive rotating radar dome above the fuselage. Its radar and mission systems provide 360-degree airspace surveillance, track sharing, and command-and-control for air defense and joint operations, making it the go-to platform for airborne warning and control. Other options are built for different purposes: the KC-135 Stratotanker is an aerial refueling aircraft; the MQ-9 Reaper is an unmanned ISR and strike drone; and the U-2 is a high-altitude reconnaissance platform. They do not perform the integrated air surveillance and battle-management role AWACS specializes in.