The Boeing E-3 Sentry is an American airborne early warning and control aircraft developed by Boeing. E-3s are commonly known as AWACS . Derived from the Boeing 707 airliner, it provides all-weather surveillance, command, control, and communications, and is used by the United States Air Force, NATO. The E-3 is distinguished by the distinctive rotating radar dome above the fuselage. Production ended in 1992 after 68 aircraft had been built.