380th sunset aircraft
A E-3 Sentry Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft sits on the runway as a KC-10 Extender takes off at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia on Feb.12, 2010.The E-3 Sentry is a modified Boeing 707/320 commercial airframe with a rotating radar dome that provides situational awareness of friendly, neutral and hostile activity, command and control of an area of responsibility, battle management of theater forces, all-altitude and all-weather surveillance of the battle space, and early warning of enemy actions during joint, allied, and coalition operations. The KC-10's primary mission is aerial refueling but can combine the tasks of a tanker and cargo aircraft by refueling fighters and simultaneously carry the fighter support personnel and equipment. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Jenifer H. Calhoun/Released)