This episode of the U.S. Air Force’s news magazine “Air Force Now” shows the USAF of the 1980s (probably 1983), with its main focus being NATO and the Soviet threat in Europe. At the start of the film the new, high tech AWACS aircraft is shown in operation, also known as the Boeing E-3 Sentry. This is an American airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft developed by Boeing as the prime contractor. Derived from the Boeing 707, it provides all-weather surveillance, command, control, and communications, and is used by the United States Air Force, NATO, Royal Air Force, French Air Force, and Royal Saudi Air Force. The E-3 is distinguished by the distinctive rotating radar dome above the fuselage. Production ended in 1992 after 68 aircraft had been built.
At 6:30, a segment begins showing the USAF in West Germany. Ingolstadt Air Force Base is the focus. The segment shows personnel arriving by Arrow Air airplane, followed by the arrival of F-4 Phantoms. These aircraft are modified versions that are used in the surveillance role and for electronic counter measures. At 11:40, staff is seen reviewing a roll of processed roll film shot at altitude.
Starting at 13:40, the Military Airlift Command’s annual competition at Pope Air Force Base is seen, with an air show kicking off a host of military activities ranging from a field exercise with soldiers at 16:00, to MAC operations with C-130 aircraft at 16:30, including paradrops.
The first USAF E-3 was delivered in March 1977, and during the next seven years, a total of 34 aircraft were manufactured. NATO, as a single identity, also had 18 aircraft manufactured, basing them in Germany. The E-3 was also sold to the United Kingdom (seven) and France (four) and Saudi Arabia (five, plus eight E-3-derived tanker aircraft). In 1991, when the last aircraft had been delivered, E-3s participated in Operation Desert Storm, playing a crucial role of directing coalition aircraft against the enemy. Throughout the aircraft’s service life, numerous upgrades were performed to enhance its capabilities. In 1996, Westinghouse Electric’s Defense & Electronic Systems division, was acquired by Northrop Corporation before its being renamed Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems, which currently supports the E-3’s radar.
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