Imagine you are building an aircraft that not only carries a radar on its back, but actually controls the entire air surveillance of a whole battlefield. The Boeing E-3A Sentry, better known as AWACS, is exactly such an icon. With our new Model Set, we have brought exactly that to your workbench, and you can secure it right here in the Revell shop.
The story of the E-3A begins in the 1960s, when the US Air Force was looking for a new system to replace its old Lockheed EC-121 Warning Star. These propeller-driven aircraft were outdated, and the Air Force wanted something modern that could detect low-flying targets over land. Boeing won the contract against competitors such as McDonnell Douglas and built test aircraft based on the proven Boeing 707. The first aircraft took off in 1972, and after tests with radar systems from Westinghouse and Hughes, the Westinghouse design was selected.
The E-3A is based on this solid 707 platform, but with massive modifications. The fuselage was stretched, four Pratt & Whitney TF33 engines were installed, and above all the huge rotodome with the rotating radar was added. This dome measures nine meters in diameter and rotates continuously to provide 360-degree coverage. Until 1992, 68 aircraft were built, 34 of them for the USAF, 18 for NATO and further aircraft for the UK, France and Saudi Arabia.
For us as model builders this is fascinating, because our kit captures this evolution. In 1:144 scale with 85 parts and Level 4 difficulty, you get a wingspan of over 30 cm, including new “New Tools” parts for modern antennas and sensors. here in the Revell Shop
Historical missions of the AWACS
The E-3A has made history, and that makes it a must-have in any military collection. It was among the first on scene in the 1991 Gulf War. During Operation Desert Shield, the Sentry aircraft established a radar shield against Iraqi forces. In Desert Storm they flew 379 sorties with over 5,000 flight hours and assisted in 38 out of 41 air-to-air encounters. For the first time, an entire air war could be digitally recorded.
Later, during NATO’s Operation Allied Force in 1999 against Yugoslavia, E-3As directed hundreds of strike missions. They monitored the airspace over Serbia and guided bombers to targets such as bridges and factories. In Afghanistan, NATO E-3As supported the ISAF mission from 2011 to 2014 with 1,240 flights and 12,240 hours. And in 2015 the modernized E-3G flew its first combat missions against IS in Operation Inherent Resolve.
Especially interesting for us in Germany: The NATO E-3As are based in Geilenkirchen. From there they fly routine patrols over Europe and took part in Operation Eagle Assist after 9/11. Such missions show why the E-3A is the backbone of Western air defense.
Not everything always went smoothly for the Sentry. Take the crash of Yukla 27 on 22 September 1995 at Elmendorf AFB in Alaska. Shortly after takeoff the engines ingested Canada geese, both left engines failed, and the aircraft with 24 crew members crashed. It was a tragic reminder of the risks of flying.
Or in 1996 near Preveza in Greece: A NATO E-3A also suspected a bird strike after a loud bang, aborted takeoff, overran the runway and hit a dike. Fortunately, all 16 occupants survived, but the aircraft was a write-off. In 2009 during Red Flag at Nellis AFB the nose gear collapsed on landing, a fire broke out, but all 32 crew members escaped uninjured.
As model builders, we are of course excited about the Tiger Meet livery. In 2017 an E-3A from Geilenkirchen received tiger-colored stripes for the NATO Tiger Meet in Landivisiau, France. Flying Squadron 1, a full member since 1984, demonstrated its team spirit with this. The aircraft with the iconic rotodome and tiger pattern is a photo hit.
Geilenkirchen is home to the NATO AWACS fleet, and this livery is immortalized on our decals. Choose between the US Air Force E-3G from 2023 or this very Tiger Meet special from 2017. It is a piece of local history right on your table.
The E-3A does not appear often in Hollywood, but it has cameos. In the 1996 blockbuster “Independence Day” it appears as part of the U.S. defenses against aliens. In documentaries such as “Boeing E-3 Sentry: Declassifying America’s Ultimate Spyplane” on YouTube it is celebrated as a super spy aircraft.
Technical evolution to the E-3G
The E-3A has undergone upgrades that our model reflects. The Block 40/45 upgrade to the E-3G replaced 1970s technology with modern computers, improved threat detection and automation. First combat missions in 2015 against IS. RSIP improved the radar, NATO MTP integrated sensors.
Today it flies with GPS, Link 16 and more, until successors such as the E-7 arrive. Our kit with new parts lets you recreate this modernity. here in the Revell Shop
Now for our highlight:
The Model Set Boeing E-3A Sentry is the vigilant eye in the sky on your workbench. Scale 1:144, from 12 years, 85 individual parts. We have equipped it with basic Aqua Color paints, a brush and Contacta Professional Mini adhesive, everything included for an immediate start.
Up to date with new parts for antennas and sensors of the modern fleet. Two decal options: USAF E-3G 2023 or NATO Tiger Meet Geilenkirchen 2017. The build is based on the Boeing 707, but with military character. The radar rotodome sits imposingly on top, engines and fuselage are rich in detail. Level 4 ensures demanding fun. AWACS stands for Airborne Warning And Control System, it detects targets hundreds of kilometers away. The E-3G represents the most comprehensive upgrade with digital technology.
Scope of delivery:
- Plastic model kit with new parts
- Illustrated multilingual instructions
- Decals
- Brush, paints, adhesive
- here in the Revell Shop
Inspiration for the build
Inside the Air Force’s Flying Control Tower | E-3 Sentry
Boeing E-3 Sentry: The Flying Control Tower That Sees Everything
Boeing E-3 Sentry: Declassifying America’s Ultimate Spyplane
NATO airspace surveillance: Into the Baltics in an AWACS – Bundeswehr