Which USAF aircraft is the warning and control system aircraft with a large spinning radar dish designed for long-range sensor coverage?

• A. RC-135 Rivet Joint
• B. E-3 AWACS
• C. E-6 Mercury
• D. MQ-4 Triton

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is recognizing the aircraft designed for airborne warning and control, which is easiest to spot by its distinctive rotating radar dome on top that provides 360-degree, long-range surveillance and also acts as an airborne command post for directing air operations. That signature airborne early warning and control setup is unique to the E-3 AWACS, making it the best fit for the description. The other aircraft serve different roles: a signals intelligence platform, a strategic command/relaying aircraft without a large rotating radar dish, and an unmanned patrol aircraft, none of which feature the big spinning radar dome associated with long-range warning and control duties.