David
Thu January 16, 2003 12:43am
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E-3 Sentry (AWACS)
Function: The E-3 Sentry is an airborne warning and control system (AWACS) aircraft that provides all-weather surveillance, command, control and communications needed by commanders of U.S. and NATO air defense forces. As proven in Desert Storm, it is the premier air battle command and control aircraft in the world today.
History: Engineering, test and evaluation began on the first E-3 Sentry in October 1975. In March 1977 the 552nd Airborne Warning and Control Wing (now 552nd Air Control Wing, Tinker Air Force Base, OK), received the first E-3s where they are still assigned.
Pacific Air Forces has four E-3 Sentries assigned to the 961st Airborne Air Control Squadron (AACS), Kadena Air Base, Japan, and the 962nd AACS, Elmendorf AFB, AK.
NATO has acquired 18 of the aircraft and support equipment. The first E-3 was delivered to NATO in January 1982. The United Kingdom has seven E-3s and France has four.
E-3 Sentry aircraft were among the first to deploy during Operation Desert Shield where they immediately established an around-the-clock radar screen to defend against Iraqi aggression. During Desert Storm, E-3s flew more than 400 missions and logged more than 5,000 hours of on-station time. They provided radar surveillance and control to more than 120,000 coalition sorties. In addition to providing senior leadership with time-critical information on the actions of enemy forces, E-3 controllers assisted in 38 of the 40 air-to-air kills recorded during the conflict.
For the first time in the history of aerial warfare, an entire air war has been recorded. This was due to the data collection capability of the E-3 radar and computer subsystems.
In March 1996, the Air Force activated an AWACS Reserve Associate Program unit which will perform duties on active-duty aircraft. The unit is assigned to the 507th Operations Group at Tinker.
Description: The E-3 Sentry is a modified Boeing 707/320 commercial airframe with a rotating radar dome. The dome is 30 feet (9.1 meters) in diameter, six feet (1.8 meters) thick, and is held 11 feet (3.3 meters) above the fuselage by two struts. It contains a radar subsystem that permits surveillance from the Earth's surface up into the stratosphere, over land or water. The radar has a range of more than 200 miles (320 kilometers) for low-flying targets and farther for aerospace vehicles flying at medium to high altitudes. The radar combined with an identification friend or foe subsystem can look down to detect, identify and track enemy and friendly low-flying aircraft by eliminating ground clutter returns that confuse other radar systems.
Other major subsystems in the E-3 are navigation, communications and computers (data processing). Consoles display computer-processed data in graphic and tabular format on video screens. Console operators perform surveillance, identification, weapons control, battle management and communications functions.
The radar and computer subsystems on the E-3 Sentry can gather and present broad and detailed battlefield information. Data is collected as events occur. This includes position and tracking information on enemy aircraft and ships, and location and status of friendly aircraft and naval vessels. The information can be sent to major command and control centers in rear areas or aboard ships. In time of crisis, this data can be forwarded to the National Command Authorities in the United States.
In support of air-to-ground operations, the Sentry can provide direct information needed for interdiction, reconnaissance, airlift and close-air support for friendly ground forces. It can also provide information for commanders of air operations to gain and maintain control of the air battle.
As an air defense system, E-3s can detect, identify and track airborne enemy forces far from the boundaries of the United States or NATO countries. It can direct fighter-interceptor aircraft to these enemy targets.
Experience has proven that the E-3 Sentry can respond quickly and effectively to a crisis and support worldwide military deployment operations. It is a jam-resistant system that has performed missions while experiencing heavy electronic countermeasures.
With its mobility as an airborne warning and control system, the Sentry has an excellent chance of surviving in war. Among other things, the flight path can quickly be changed according to mission and survival requirements. The E-3 can fly a mission profile for more than 8 hours without refueling. Its range and on-station time can be increased through inflight refueling.
The aircraft can be used as a surveillance asset in support of other government agencies during counter drug operations. U.S. Customs Service officers may fly aboard the E-3 Sentry on precoordinated missions to detect smuggling activities.
General Characteristics, E-3 Sentry
Builder:
Boeing Aerospace Co.
Unit Cost:
Approximately $270 million
Power Plant:
Four Pratt & Whitney TF33-PW-100A turbofan engines
Thrust:
21,000 pounds each engine
Length:
145 feet, 6 inches (44 meters)
Wingspan:
130 feet, 10 inches (39.7 meters)
Height:
41 feet, 4 inches (12.5 meters)
Rotodome:
30 feet in diameter (9.1 meters), 6 feet thick (1.8 meters), mounted 11 feet (3.33 meters) above fuselage
Speed:
Optimum cruise speed 360 mph (Mach 0.48)
Ceiling:
Above 29,000 feet (8,788 meters)
Endurance:
More than eight hours (unrefueled)
Maximum Take-off Weight:
347,000 pounds (156,150 kilograms)
Crew:
Flight crew of four, plus mission crew of 13-19 specialists (mission crew size varies according to mission)
Inventory:
Active force, 33
Reserve, 0
Guard, 0
Date Deployed:
March 1977
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David
Thu January 16, 2003 5:31pm
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MC-130E/H Combat
Function: The MC-130E Combat Talon I and MC-130H Combat Talon II provide global, day, night and adverse weather capability to infiltrate, resupply and exfiltrate U.S. and allied special operations forces.
History: The MC-130E flew combat missions during the war in Southeast Asia and took part in the attempted rescue of Americans held at the Son Tay prisoner of war camp in 1970. In 1983, MC-130E's participated in Operation Urgent Fury to rescue Americans from the island nation of Grenada. One of the Combat Talon crews earned the Mackay Trophy for the most meritorious flight of the year by delivering Army Rangers to Point Salines Airfield amidst a barrage of anti-aircraft fire. In 1989, the MC-130E participated in Operation Just Cause in Panama, helping to seize the airfield at Rio Hato. During Desert Storm the MC-130E's primary role was psychological operations as it airdropped 11 BLU-82/B general purpose bombs and flew multiple missions air dropping and dispersing leaflets. Its secondary role was combat search and rescue.
In 1994, the MC-130E deployed to Haiti with other Air Force Special Operations Command aircraft during operations Restore Democracy and Uphold Democracy.
The MC-130H evacuated Americans from the U.S. Embassy in Liberia in 1996. In 1997, the MC-130H participated in Operation Guardian Retrieval, helping to evacuate Americans from the U.S. Embassy in Zaire. Later that year the MC-130H was part of the special operations forces called on for possible support in Cambodia.
The Talon I provided combat search and rescue and special operations forces support for Operation Southern Watch in Iraq in 1997. In September 1997, the MC-130H participated in the search for a C-141 that collided with another aircraft off the coast of Angola. The aircraft also evacuated noncombatant Americans from the Republic of the Congo in 1997. The mission earned the aircrew the Mackay Trophy.
In 1998, the MC-130s returned to Saudi Arabia during the buildup of U.S. forces to convince Iraq to comply with U.N. weapons inspections.
Description: Both aircraft are equipped with in-flight refueling equipment, terrain-following and terrain-avoidance radar, an inertial and global positioning satellite navigation system, and a high-speed aerial delivery system. The special navigation and aerial delivery systems are used to locate small drop zones and deliver people or equipment with greater accuracy and higher speeds than possible with a standard C-130. The aircraft also can penetrate hostile airspace at low altitudes, and crews are specially trained in night and adverse weather operations.
Combat Talons feature highly automated controls and displays to reduce crew size and workload. The cockpit and cargo areas are compatible with night vision goggles. The integrated control and display subsystem combines basic aircraft flight, tactical and mission sensor data into a comprehensive set of display formats that assist each operator in performing tasks efficiently.
On the MC-130H, the pilot and co-pilot displays on the cockpit instrument panel and the navigator/electronic warfare operator console -- on the aft portion of the flight deck -- each have two video displays and a data-entry keyboard. The electronic warfare operator also has a data-entry keyboard and two video displays, one of which is dedicated to electronic warfare data.
The primary pilot and co-pilot display formats include basic flight instrumentation and situational data. The display formats are available with symbology alone or with symbology overlaid with sensor video.
The navigator uses radar ground map displays, forward-looking infrared displays, tabular mission management displays and equipment status information. The electronic warfare operator's displays are used for viewing electronic warfare data and to supplement the navigators in certain critical phases.
General Characteristics, MC-130E/H Combat Talon I/II
Builder:
Lockheed
Contractor:
Lockheed Martin Federal Systems (MC-130H)
Unit Cost:
MC-130E, $45.2 million
MC-130H, $78 million (fiscal 1998 constant dollars)
Power Plant:
Four Allison T56-A-15 turboprop engines
Thrust:
4,910 shaft horsepower each engine
Length:
MC-130E: 100 feet, 10 inches (30.7 meters)
MC-130H: 99 feet, 9 inches (30.4 meters)
Height:
38 feet, 6 inches (11.7 meters)
Wingspan:
132 feet, 7 inches (40.4 meters)
Speed:
300 mph
Load:
MC-130E: 53 troops, 26 paratroopers
MC-130H: 75 troops, 52 paratroopers
Ceiling:
33,000 feet (10,000 meters)
Maximum Take-off Weight:
155,000 pounds (69,750 kilograms)
Range:
2,700 nautical miles (unlimited with air refueling)
Crew:
MC-130E: Officers - two pilots, two navigators and an electronic warfare officer; enlisted - flight engineer, two loadmasters and communications specialist
MC-130H: Officers - two pilots, a navigator and electronic warfare officer; enlisted - flight engineer and two loadmasters
Inventory:
Active force (MC-130H), 23
Reserve (MC-130E), 14
ANG, 0
Dates Deployed:
MC-130E, 1966
MC-130H, June 1991
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David
Sat January 18, 2003 8:34am
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Senior Airman Jonathon Mc
Senior Airman Jonathon McCoy, a 33d Rescue Squadron pararescue specialist from Kadena Air Base, Japan, climbs a rope ladder into an HH-60 "Pavehawk". Exercise BALIKATAN 2001, a combined joint exercise of the Republic of the Philippines and the U.S., is being held in the Philippines.
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David
Sat January 18, 2003 9:13am
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As Space Shuttle Atlantis
As Space Shuttle Atlantis lifts off from Launch Pad 39A on mission STS-101, twin columns of smoke from the solid rocket boosters trail behind. The mission is taking the crew of seven to the International Space Station to deliver logistics and supplies as well as to prepare the Station for the arrival of the Zvezda Service Module. Also, the crew will conduct one space walk and will reboost the space station from 230 statute miles to 250 statute miles. Three Atlantis crew members are U.S. Air Force officers, Col James Halsell Jr., Commander; Lt. Col. Scott Horowitz, Pilot; and Lt. Col. Susan Helms, Mission Specialist.
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David
Sat January 18, 2003 9:13am
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The brilliant exhaust fro
The brilliant exhaust from the solid rocket boosters (left) and blue mach diamonds from the main engine nozzles (right) mark the perfect launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis. The mission is taking the crew of seven to the International Space Station to deliver logistics and supplies as well as to prepare the Station for the arrival of the Zvezda Service Module. Also, the crew will conduct one space walk and will reboost the space station from 230 statute miles to 250 statute miles. Three Atlantis crew members are U.S. Air Force officers, Col James Halsell Jr., Commander; Lt. Col. Scott Horowitz, Pilot; and Lt. Col. Susan Helms, Mission Specialist.
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David
Sat January 18, 2003 12:27pm
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Senior Airman Jean Perez,
Senior Airman Jean Perez, an avionics specialist, monitors a Laser Destination Calibration test through the heads-up display of an F-16C Fighting Falcon on Monday, April 26, 1999, at Aviano Air Base, Italy. Perez is deployed in support of Operation Allied Force.
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David
Thu February 13, 2003 12:42pm
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Mess Management Specialis
Mess Management Specialist
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David
Tue March 25, 2003 7:48am
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The Tactical Operations O
The Tactical Operations Officer (TAO), along with Operations Specialists, stand watch in the Combat Direction Center (CDC) aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). The Center monitors all surface and aerial contacts in the operating area, and the data can also be transmitted to Central Command headquarters or wherever needed.
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Marissa
Tue March 25, 2003 5:38pm
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Operation Iraqi Freedom i
Operation Iraqi Freedom is the multinational coalition effort to liberate the Iraqi people, eliminate Iraq's weapons of mass destruction and end the regime of Saddam Hussein. The Tactical Operations Officer (TAO), along with Operations Specialists, stand watch in the Combat Direction Center monitoring all surface and aerial contacts in the area March 23, 2003. USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) and Carrier Air Wing Fourteen (CVW 14) are currently conducting combat missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
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David
Thu March 27, 2003 7:19am
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More than a pet
Chemical warfare specialist Lance Cpl. Thomas Conroy from New York City, of the U.S. Marines 3rd Batallion, 4th Regiment, takes care of his pigeon while Cpl. Buck Flowers of Dallas, Texas, looks on in central Iraq on Wednesday. The pigeon, called "Devil Bird," is used to detect chemical attacks.
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David
Fri March 28, 2003 2:06pm
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Operation Iraqi Freedom i
Operation Iraqi Freedom is the multinational coalition effort to liberate the Iraqi people, eliminate Iraq's weapons of mass destruction and end the regime of Saddam Hussein. The Tactical Operations Officer (TAO), along with Operations Specialists, stand watch in the Combat Direction Center monitoring all surface and aerial contacts in the area March 23, 2003. USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) and Carrier Air Wing Fourteen (CVW 14) are currently conducting combat missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
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Marissa
Sun March 30, 2003 5:24pm
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Marine Cpl. Rodolfo Aviti
Marine Cpl. Rodolfo Avitia, a force protection specialist from Combined Joint Task Force Consequence Management at Camp Doha, Kuwait, blows away dirt and dust from his gas mask, March 29, after using it steadily throughout more than a week of continual SCUD alerts.
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David
Fri January 9, 2004 2:34am
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Armament Specialist AAF P
Armament Specialist AAF Patch 1/1943-7/1947
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David
Fri January 9, 2004 2:34am
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Communication Spec. AAF S
Communication Spec. AAF Specialist Patch 1/1943-7/1947
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David
Fri January 9, 2004 2:34am
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Weather Specialist AAF Pa
Weather Specialist AAF Patch 1/1943-7/1947
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