The E-8C is a modified Boeing 707-300 series commercial airframe that carries specialized radar, communications, operations and control subsystems. The most prominent external feature is the 12 m (40 ft) canoe-shaped radome under the forward fuselage that houses the 7.3 m (24 ft) side-looking APY-7 phased array antenna.
The USAF selected Pratt & Whitney to replace the engines of its 19 Joint STARS aircraft. Pratt & Whitney, in a joint venture with Seven Q Seven (SQS), will produce and deliver JT8D-219 engines.
Their greater efficiency will allow the Joint STARS to spend more time on station, take off from a wider range of runways, climb faster, fly higher all with a much reduced cost per flying hour. Joint STARS is to be used until 2025.
The E-8 Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (Joint STARS) is a battle management and command and control aircraft of the United States Air Force. It tracks ground vehicles and some aircraft, collects imagery, and relays tactical pictures to ground and air theater commanders.
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