AWACS History
The first E-3 entered U.S. Air Force service in March 1977, preceded by more than 10 years of competitive flyoffs, prototype design and development.
By 1981, 24 of the 34 AWACS on order had been delivered to the U.S. inventory and were designated "core" aircraft. The remaining U.S. aircraft, as well as 18 NATO E-3s, were delivered in the "standard" configuration.
Enhancements leading to the standard configuration include the maritime surveillance radar mode and the JTIDS (Joint Tactical Information Distribution System). Additionally, the AWACS computer was enhanced to increase its capacity and speed.
The last of the 34 U.S. AWACS was delivered in June 1984. (One aircraft was lost in September 1995, reducing the U.S. fleet to 33 and the worldwide fleet to 67.)
Since their introductions of the E-3, both the United States and international AWACS operators have pursued system enhancements to improve performance and respond to emerging threats and requirements.
Under a 1987 U.S. Air Force integration contract (ICON), Boeing developed and integrated enhancements to the E-3's detection, communications, data processing and navigation capabilities, including ESM.
In March 1989, Boeing received authorization to begin production of Have Quick A-NETS, an improved communication system which provides secure, anti-jam contact with other AWACS, friendly aircraft and ground stations to a degree not previously
available. This equipment also is included in the French and United Kingdom systems.
In May 1993, Boeing received a contract to produce six ESM kits, and a supplemental agreement was reached in January 1995 exercising an option for nine additional kits.
While current and planned improvement programs are aimed at maintaining the E-3's status as the world's most advanced AEW system, AWACS aircraft are busy maintaining their reputation as an international keeper of the peace.
The E-3 played a major role in the 1990-91 Persian Gulf conflict, conducting surveillance and command-and-control activities for coalition forces. AWACS aircraft from the air forces of the United States, Saudi Arabia and NATO were involved in the action, and the multi-national fleet was credited with coordinating most of the 120,000 sorties flown by coalition aircraft.
AWACS' role in the Gulf climaxed a series of assignments that included deployment to Saudi Arabia during the Iran-Iraq war, dispatch to Korea following the assassination of President Park and deployment to Egypt in response to the Libyan bombing of the Sudan. AWACS also has played an important interdiction role in America's war on drugs.