Chapter 3 AWACS

Question 1

What does the E-3 Awacs provide?

Answer 1

Air Surveillance, command, control and communications in a rapidly deployable package to respond to crisis situations or to extend the reach of traditional control systems.

Question 2

When was the first AWACS aircraft delivered

Answer 2

1977

Question 3

E-3A

Answer 3

Original production models and were equipped with the Westinghouse AN/APY-1 purchased 25 that were converted to the E-3B, 9 monochrome computer consoles

Question 4

E-3B

Answer 4

Late eighties with a new mission package that replaced the original 9 consoles with 14 multi-color displays

Question 5

E-3C

Answer 5

Upgraded radar APY-2, 9 were built

Question 6

E-3D

Answer 6

RAF, 9 multi-color consoles, F-108 engines

Question 7

Characteristics of the AWACS

Answer 7

Cruising: 360 knots
Altitude: 30,000 feet
Endurance: 8 hours without refueling, up to 24 hours with multiple refueling
Rotodome: 30 foot in diameter, 6 feet thick, mounted 11 feet above fuselage.
IFF System: Mark XII
Computer: IBM 4pi
Unit Cost: Approximately 330$ million

Question 8

Block 30/35

Answer 8

Stovepipe architecture, MILSTD, graphic displays provide sensor and other information in eight colors. 14 operator work stations

Question 9

Block 40/45

Answer 9

Upgrade from Block 30/35; windows operation environment, console audio/video recording, graphics with terrain imagery and operator customizable displays.

Question 10

Who controls the AWACS communication systems

Answer 10

CSO

Question 11

How many radios is the E-3 equipped with and what are they?

Answer 11

Three AN/ARC 229 HF radios
One AN/ARC 173 VHF FM radio
Three AN/ARC 210 VHF-AM radios
20 AN/ARC-168 UHF radios

Question 12

What advantage does the AWACS sensor have over ground based radar platforms?

Answer 12

An airborne radar platform with its lookdown capability provides reduced obstruction from land masses, while increased altitude allows for effective coverage well beyond what a typical ground based radars normal horizon would be.

Question 13

What is the pulse Doppler radar and its advantages and disadvantages?

Answer 13

Employs a medium pulse repetition frequency rate for increased target resolution, ELIMINATION of ground clutter, works on the basis of frequency shift, as the range rate approaches zero doppler processing will drop the target as clutter, thus range rate problems can result in a loss of potential targets

Question 14

What is the Beyond the Horizon (BTH) radar and its advantages and disadvantages?

Answer 14

Uses low prf radar, BTH has no range rate problem, unaffected by terrain, long range

Question 15

Modes of Mark XII

Answer 15

The AN/APX 103 IFF system can interrogate and process all MARK XII modes and codes; 1, 2, 3, 3C, & 4

Question 16

Who does the Flight Crew consist of?

Answer 16

Aircraft Commander- Senior pilot on board
Co-Pilot- operates right side of cockpit
Navigator-responsible for safe navigation of the aircraft
Flight Engineer- enlisted technician responsible for monitoring and maintaining overall aircraft performance

Question 17

Who does the Mission Crew consist of?

Answer 17

MCC- oversees entire mission crew, senior ABM, generally a field grade officer, coordinates with AOC
Weapon Section:
Senior Director- responsible for the effective and efficient application of air power IAW the command directives that come from the AOC
AWO- knows capabilities and limitations of aircraft, weapon systems, missles, C2 systems, and communications with friend or foe
ECO- responsible for operating the PDS. ECO manages the system and the information it gathers and then disseminates the info to the rest of the crew.
Surveillance Section:
ASO- ensures accurate collection, display and dissemination of surveillance data. The ASO directs and coordinates the identification of all observed activity within the AOR, responsible to the MCC
SST- assists the ASO
AST - responsible for performing ASO-assigned surveillance functions including detection, track initiation and maintenance on unknown/ assumed friend /enemy aircraft ASTs assist the ASO
CSO and CDMT and ART work with communications (radio intercom, external radio)

Question 18

What type of voice radio and datalink system does AWACS have?

Answer 18

HAVE QUICK and LINK 16 and LINK 11 is available