RAF
RAF Sentry Fleet Grounded By Electrical Fault
The RAF's six Sentry E-3D surveillance planes, including two helping to coordinate bombing raids on IS, have been grounded and could be out of action for weeks.
Routine inspections uncovered an electrical fault and while it is being addressed, other members of the coalition against IS have stepped into the void in air operations left by the absent aircraft.
According to the BBC, the RAF have said that:
"Safety remains our paramount concern; therefore, the UK Sentry fleet will only fly again once the ongoing rectification work is complete".
The Sentry fleet has been similarly grounded before. Forces TV/BFBS reported on the issue in 2012.
The Sentry is manufactured by Boeing and first came into service with the US Air Force in 1977, with it still operating 31 of the aircraft today.
It was also subsequently sold to the UK (seven aircraft), NATO (18 aircraft), France (four aircraft), and Saudi Arabia (five aircraft). The Reagan Administration's sale of the planes to the Saudis was controversial in the US at the time.
Iran also placed an order for 10 of the aircraft, although this was cancelled after the 1979 revolution.
Sentrys are distinctive for the large radar dish attached to the rear of their fuselage. The dish rotates six times a minute while in use.
The aircraft has a long service history, and as well as helping to coordinate strikes on IS today, it was involved in Operation Desert Shield during the first Gulf War.
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