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McDonnell Douglas MD-11 Heavy – AWACS

Tail Code: AL-001
Operated by: United Simple Air Force
Base: Joint Base Andrew-Lockheed

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Overview

The McDonnell Douglas MD-11 Heavy AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) is a specialized surveillance and command aircraft operated by the United Simple Air Force . Originally delivered in 1988 as a Delta Airlines passenger jet, the aircraft was converted into a UPS cargo freighter in 2004. In 2024, it was uniquely reacquired by the government and reconfigured back into a passenger and command platform.

Now serving as an airborne command center, it is equipped with powerful radar and communication systems, providing a real-time, strategic view of air and ground operations.

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Specifications

Platform & Design

Original Aircraft: McDonnell Douglas MD-11 (long-range, wide-body airliner)

Engines: Three General Electric CF6-80C2 turbofan engines

Countermeasures: Three flare launchers for defense against heat-seeking missiles

Conversion History:

1988: Passenger service with Delta Airlines

2004: Cargo conversion for UPS

2024: Reconverted for AWACS and command role

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AWACS Equipment (Mid-Fuselage Section)

Primary Radar System

Radome: Rotating radar dish mounted atop the fuselage

Origin: Acquired from a decommissioned USAF E-3 Sentry (AWACS)

Function: 360-degree surveillance of airborne and maritime targets

Mission Systems

Operators: Specialized mission crew

Capabilities:

Threat detection, identification, and tracking

Coordination of air and ground forces

Real-time situational awareness

Total Crew: 25 (includes flight crew + AWACS mission operators)

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Command & Control Center (Rear Section)

Function

Mobile command hub for high-ranking officials

Tactical deployment platform

Configurable for humanitarian aid missions

Flexible Interior Configurations

Troop Transport Mode:

Capacity: Up to 40 fully armed personnel

Capable of paratrooper drops

Endurance Mode (default):

Includes modular fuel tanks (approx. 10,000 gallons / 37,850 liters)

Located in the rear; allows extended patrol durations for coast guard and military ops

Crew Accommodations

Crew Rest Area:

Contains 10 stacked bunks for long-duration missions

Enables rotating sleep shifts for mission continuity

Humanitarian Capability

In non-combat roles, the cargo space can be repurposed to air-drop food, water, and medical supplies to crisis areas

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Onboard Technology

Multiple mission workstations for data analysis

Large digital displays showing unified operational picture

Secure, encrypted communications

Satellite uplinks for global connectivity

Interoperability with military and civilian agencies

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Mission Functionality

The MD-11 AWACS acts as a mobile airborne command center, deployable to any global conflict or crisis zone. Its long-range and extensive onboard systems allow top-level coordination of large-scale military or emergency operations directly from the sky.

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Operational Applications

Airspace Management

Directs fighters, bombers, and support aircraft

Maintains air dominance over contested zones

Joint Force Coordination

Facilitates seamless communication between air, land, and sea forces

Supports special operations units and fleet movements

Surveillance

Strategic and tactical observation over vast regions

High endurance for loiter missions

Disaster Response

Coordinates emergency services

Capable of parachute-deploying security forces

Delivers rapid humanitarian relief

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Conclusion

The MD-11 Heavy AWACS (AL-001) is a one-of-a-kind airborne platform, combining:

A rugged airliner/freighter heritage

Proven E-3 radar technology

Flexible internal configurations for combat, command, or relief missions

Long-duration patrol capabilities via rear fuel modules

Defensive systems and full crew accommodations

This multi-role aircraft is a cornerstone in the United Simple Government's strategic response arsenal—an enduring, flying command center ready for any scenario.

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Thanks to CHATGPT for help