In Action
8, 23 and 54(R) Squadron - RAF Waddington
Otherwise known as the Boeing E-3D, the Sentry AEW Mk.1 operated from RAF Waddington with 8, 23 and 54(Reserve) Squadrons with seven pooled aircraft (ZH101 to ZH107). 8 Squadron is the largest squadron whilst 23 Squadron, which was formed later in 1996, was additionally responsible for training (Sentry Training Flight). Together these squadrons were a component of the NATO Early Warning Force.
54(R) Squadron was reformed on September 1, 2005 as the Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) Conversion Unit. They were tasked with training crews on the E-3D, Nimrod R.1 and the Sentinel R.1.
The E-3D was retired from service with the RAF on August 4, 2021.
The Nimrod R.1 was retired in June 2011 .
The Sentinel R.1 was retired in March 2021.
Aviation Photography RAF 8 Squadron
E-3D Sentry (ZH104 '04') callsign 'NATO 20' on a crew training air refuelling mission over the North Sea in AARA 7.
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The Sentry normally operates at 29,000 feet as an Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft. Its main role is Advanced Early Warning (AEW), by extending radar cover to detect and report on potentially hostile aircraft at all altitudes. It then directs air defence fighters (Tornado F.3 and Typhoon) towards the threat using the Joint Tactical Information Data System (JTIDS) or 'Link 16'. JTIDS is a data link that provides the pilot with a situational report of what other pilots and surveillance aircraft like the E-3D are seeing. This is now one of the most valuable tools for pilots.
To increase the range of the E-3D it is fitted with a dual in-flight refuelling system. Fuel can be taken on board from either probe and drogue tankers such as the RAF's TriStar and VC-10, or by boom receptacle as used by the USAF's KC-10 and KC-135. The aircraft utilises an overall crew of 17. The flight crew consisting of two pilots, a navigator and flight engineer. The mission crew consists of a tactical director with weapons and surveillance teams, a communications operator and three technicians.
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The E-3 is based on the Boeing 707-320B airframe, with the E-3A entering service with the USAF in 1977. Later the NATO AEW Force who took delivery of 18 aircraft between 1982 and 1985. The RAF (7 x E-3D) and the French Air Force (4 x E-3F) jointly procured almost identical aircraft from Boeing, with deliveries commencing from 1991. For the RAF the Sentry replaced the ageing Avro Shackleton AEW Mk.2 which was to be replaced by the Nimrod AEW which was abandoned after considerable investment had been made.
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The E-3D Sentry can refuel from RAF VC-10s but only from the fuselage mounted refuelling point.
Left to right: ZH106 is seen alongside 10 Squadron VC-10 K.3 (ZA147 'F'). In the last image it is awaiting it's turn to refuel with two 25 Squadron Tornado F.3s.
Aviation Photography RAF 8 Squadron
E-3D Sentry (ZH101 '01') over North Sea in March 2008.
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Above: E-3D Sentry (ZH101 '01') over North Sea with 43(F) Squadron Tornado F.3 in March 2008. It has a 54(R) Squadron badge on the nose.

On base
Aviation Photography RAF Waddington ACPV
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Left to right: E-3D Sentry (ZH104 '04') at RAF waddington in October 2019.
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Left to right: E-3D Sentry (ZH104 '04') taxiing out from Waddington in August 2014 and E-3D Sentry (ZH103 '03') in September 2019.
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Left to right: E-3D Sentry (ZH104 '04' and ZH107 '07') in August 2014.
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Left to right: E-3A Sentry (ZH102 '02') on temporary deployment to Coningsby while the runway at Waddington is being re-built in January 2015.
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Left to right: E-3A Sentry (ZH105 '05') inscribed '1915-2015 VIII Squadron' and ZH103 both on temporary deployment to Coningsby in November 2015, while the runway at Waddington is being re-built.
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Left to right: E-3A Sentry (ZH103 '03' and ZH102 '02') at Congingsby in November 2015.

Air Show Action
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E-3D Sentry AEW.1 (ZH105 '05') taking off from Fairford for the 'Role Demo' during RIAT in July 2007 and Boeing E-3D Sentry at Waddington Air show in 2005.

54(F) Squadron - Jaguar days
Jaguar GR.3A (XX720 'GB') of 54(F) Squadron in July 2004.
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54(F) Squadron disbanded in March 2005 at Coltishall.
Left to right: Two images of Jaguar GR.3A (XX720 'GB') of 54(F) Squadron as it makes its manoeuvre towards the fuel line.
Jaguar GR.1A (XX748 'GK') arriving at the RAF Finningley Battle of Britain air show in July 1993.