The Boeing E-3 Sentry aircraft, which uses a rotating radar antenna, will be replaced by the Boeing E-7A Airborne Early Warning and Control (AWACS) aircraft. This is reported by Defense News.
The E – 3 aviation warning and control system (AWACS), which has been in service with the US military for about half a century, is equipped with a rotating antenna radar station. The radar, made by Northrop Grumman, completes a full revolution in 10 seconds. During this time, a jet plane travels several kilometers.
Boeing E – 7A will use other principles for object tracking. Depending on the source, with the help of a multifunctional electronically scanned long-range sensor, it will be possible to fixate on one or more targets. The new “flying radar” will use a Multirole Electronically Scanned Active Electronically Scanned Radar (MESA).
Location operators will be able to independently set data update intervals. Along with this, MESA can be used in multiple directions at once, which increases the accuracy of target detection.
Additionally, according to Popular Mechanics, the Boeing E-7A will be able to perform electronic reconnaissance, which will track and block enemy radars.
