AWACS
Military abbreviation · Weapon and Military Equipment
| Stands for | Airborne Warning and Control System |
|---|---|
| Categories | Military |
AWACS stands for Airborne Warning and Control System, a weapon and military equipment abbreviation.
Airborne radar aircraft, the E-3 Sentry, that detects and tracks aircraft over long distances and directs friendly fighters, recognizable by the large rotating radar dome above its fuselage.
Example: AWACS controllers vectored the fighters toward the unidentified aircraft.
Usage notes
The E-3 is based on the Boeing 707 airframe and entered service in 1977. NATO operates its own E-3 fleet. The Boeing E-7 Wedgetail has been selected by several air forces as a successor. Pronounced "AY-wax."
Related abbreviations
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- ATACMS – Army Tactical Missile System
- ATGM – Anti-tank guided missile
- BFV – Bradley Fighting Vehicle
- BMD – Ballistic missile defense
- BZO – Battle sight zero
- CBU – Cluster bomb unit
- CH – Cargo helicopter
- CIWS – Close-in weapon system