SOR 206 : E-3 AWACS competitors

[overscan (PaulMM)]

Very interesting!

I wonder why nobody thought of placing a radar antenna on a B-52 to create a 8,800 mile radius AWACS

The Soviet Tu-126 was based on the civilian version of the Tu-95, so that's roughly comparable, but it was far from an AWACS in capability. I'm not sure there's enough room inside a B-52 for all the electronics, operators, stations etc of a full AWACS, at least with 1970s era electronics.

The Tu-126 had the fuselage of the Tu-114, which has a similar fuselage diameter as the B707, and it's longer.

Yep, the civilian version of the Tu-95, with a larger diameter fuselage.

 

[overscan (PaulMM)]

Wind tunnel model of the early Boeing AWACS from Aviation Week 19 May 1969.

 

[hesham]

From Air Pictorial 1966.

 

[Foo Fighter]

So, if the DC-8 has better range etc, why go for the B 707? I could easily guess at cost but I'd rather have the truth. Thanks.

 

[1635yankee]

So, if the DC-8 has better range etc, why go for the B 707? I could easily guess at cost but I'd rather have the truth. Thanks.

I can't give you the truth, but I can give a good surmise: 707s were in USAF service, and DC-8s weren't

 

[Foo Fighter]

Thanks mate, being in current service would have made them cheaper to run at least.

 

[overscan (PaulMM)]

Boeing Airborne Warning and Control System Brochure Dec 1967 | The Airchive

theairchive.net

 

[overscan (PaulMM)]

This brochure from 6 years later shows the actual E-3A - https://theairchive.net/boeing-awacs-e-3a-april-1973/

 

[Archibald]

Why did they dropped the "radome on inverted tail" ? Just being curious. Doesn't seem to have bothered the Soviets and their An-74 madcap (geez, what a codename !)

 

[fightingirish]

R.G. Smith drawing of DC-8 AWACS
R.G. Smith artist drawing of Douglas Aircraft's DC-8 AWACS Entry, circa 1970. Douglas photo #179598.

https://flic.kr/p/seRggf

View: https://flic.kr/p/seRggf