The Sentry AEW1 is a Boeing 707-320B airframe packed with the very latest radar and electronic sensors. Easily distinguishable by the large rotodome mounted above the rear fuselage, the Sentry is an Airborne Early Warning (AEW) platform which carries a flight crew of four and 13 or more systems operators. Cruising at 29,000 feet, the Sentry's capability significantly extends the range of ground based radars, giving longer warning time of the approach of potentially hostile targets. Air and surface contacts are detected by its AN/APY-2 surveillance radar and information is transmitted to ground and ship-based units using a wide variety of digital data links, allowing up to 600 low-flying aircraft to be tracked at any one time.

Seven Sentrys are in service with the RAF and these have wingtip pods containing passive sensors. NATO and RAF aircraft also now have the new Joint Tactical Information Distribution System (JTIDS) whuich allows real-time data transfer between the Sentry and intercepting aircraft such as Tornado F3s and American F-15 Eagle fighters. During Operation Allied Force, RAF Sentrys operated from Aviano in Italy providing Airborne Command, Communication and Control (ABCCC) facilities for the allied forces involved.

Powerplant: Four General Electric/SNECMA CFM56-2A-3 turbofans of 24,000lb st.

Span: 145ft 9in (44.42m)

Length: 152ft 11in (46.61m)

Max Speed: 531mph (855km/h) at 30,000ft.

Accommodation: Crew of 17.

Recognition: Similar to the Boeing 707/KC-135 but with the distinctive large circular radar antenna dish set horizontally on two vertical struts extending from the top of the fuselage. Low-set swept narrow-chord wings with underslung engines in four separate pods, wing-tip mounted electronic support measures pods (Yellow Gate) and in-flight refuelling probes. Circular narrow-body windowless fuselage with the tailplane mounted either side of the tail cone. Tall, narrow fin and rudder, slightly swept.