TSAMTO, July 28. Two AWACS E-3D "Sentry" AEW.Mk1 aircraft, decommissioned by the British Air Force in September 2021 and purchased in January of this year for the Chilean Air Force, flew to Chile.
As reported by Defensa.com, two aircraft with the call signs SOLEX02 (British military number ZH103; serial number 24111/1004) and SOLEX01 (V.N. ZH106; S.N. 24114/1011) took off from the British Air Force base "Waddington" alternately on July 25 and 26 under the control of British crews. The estimated date of arrival at the Pudauel Airbase is July 27-28 (arrival has not yet been confirmed).
The Chilean Air Force also acquired a third E-3D (V.N. ZH101; S.N. 24109/993), decommissioned in October 2021, which will be used as a source of spare parts. Most likely, it will be delivered by sea.
Recall that the Military Equipment Sales Agency (DESA) of the Ministry of Defense of the United Kingdom has begun the procedure for the sale of E-3D "Sentry" AEW AWACS aircraft decommissioned by the country's Air Force.Mk1 in January of this year.
To replace the E-3D, the British Air Force will receive new E-7A Wedgtail, which will conduct aerial surveillance, simultaneously track air and surface targets, using the information collected to provide situational awareness and control other combat assets.
As indicated in the sales catalog of surplus military equipment of the British Armed Forces, the Boeing-707 AWACS aircraft is equipped with CFM56-2 engines, has a flight duration of up to 18 hours, and is designed for cruising at an altitude of 29,000 feet. The AN/APY-2 radar allows you to detect air and surface targets, conduct reconnaissance, identify targets, and control aviation actions. The original equipment of the manufacturer that meets the standards of the UK Military Aviation Authority (MAA) has been preserved. Delivery of E-3D, as stated, is available immediately.
According to the source of the UK Defense Journal web resource, only the Chilean Air Force showed interest in buying these aircraft.
According to the information Defensa.com, the cost of three aircraft was $50 million. Some classified equipment has been dismantled, so the Chilean Air Force will have to invest in the purchase of a number of new systems with their adaptations to national requirements.
The AWACS E-3D "Sentry" AEW.Mk1 aircraft entered service with the 8th Squadron of the British Air Force in 1991 and were stationed at the Waddington Air Base. The aircraft have been repeatedly involved in foreign operations of the British Air Force and NATO, including deployments in Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, the Middle East and the Caribbean. They have been upgraded (WLSP). The last time E-3D Sentry was used during Operation Shader in Iraq was on July 30, 2021.
