<p>Providing intelligence of a completely different form, but within the tactical framework, are two of the US Air Force's most important assets: the Boeing E-3 AWACS and E-8 J-STARS. Both are based on the 707 airliner airframe, and both perform similar functions, i.e. airborne control of friendly assets. The E-3 monitors all aircraft flying within the range of its large rotating radar, while itself staying well away from the battle. Coupled with IFF interrogators, the radar gives onboard operators a complete picture of the air battle, and allows them to vector friendly fighters towards enemy aircraft and position them in the most advantageous position for attack. It can also steer friendly aircraft around hostile fighters.
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<p>J-STARS does for the land battle what the AWACS does for the air fighting. Its powerful radar gives a complete picture of ground movements, and again onboard controllers can provide warning and vectoring information to friendly ground units. It has the added ability to provide excellent target information to attack aircraft. J-STARS is not yet in service, but its performance in the Gulf War while still under development has convinced many that it is a high-cost program that the United States can ill afford to be without.
