Sentry flyover

[orangeclaw]

Don't see these in my area too often, but he flew right overhead as I got off some shots.

There are two protrusions on the side, one on the bottom, near the nose. Anyone know what they are?

[FlyingPhotog]

Nice Catch!

I noticed some close up looks at those lobes on Fence Check but I didn't notice if anyone mentioned a purpose. Side-scan something or others I suppose...

[jdlloyd67]

Great pics!!!! Where'd you catch this E-3 at?

Most likely those things are associated with communications. The radar system on that thing does all of it's work from the rotating dome. I bet those protrustions are antennas for communcation with the Joint Stars program. I'm guessing though, I flew on these back in the late 80's, early 90's. They were just beginning to outfit the planes with J-Stars equipment before I got out of the AF. I'd love to know what they are out of pure curiousity.

[L.Morey]

Great shots

[asysin2leads]

I believe the protrusions are upgrades to the E-3 under the Radar System Improvement System. They upgraded the computer and radar system with the E-3G. That's my take on it, although I've been known to be wrong.

[Andrushka]

dang that thing is still sportin' old school engines... i'd have thought they'd upgrade those by now... didn't a lot of tankers from the 707 platform (forgetting the exact designation) get engine upgrades already?

[Scout7id]

Very nice! Boy, I've got to get out of the house! :-)