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Caption:
An E-3 Sentry approaches a KC-10A Extender from McGuire Air Force Base
for aerial refueling on June 29, 2000. 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. The E-3 Sentry is modified Boeing
707/320 commercial airframe with a rotating radar dome. The dome is 30
feet in diameter, 6 feet thick and is held 11 feet 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 for low-flying targets and
farther for aerospace vehicles flying at medium to high
altitudes. (U.S. Air Force photo by Gary Ell)
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