Most of the information in this fact sheet was obtained from the US Airforce site. All information is general and not varient specific. If you find some wrong information, or can add anything please e-mail me.

Description
The Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (Joint STARS) is an airborne platform equipped with a long-range, air-to-ground surveillance system designed to locate, classify and track ground targets in all weather conditions.

History and Features
Two E-8 Joint Stars aircraft were deployed in 1991 to participate in Desert Storm even though they were still under development. Joint STARS was instrumental in tracking mobile Iraqi forces, including tanks and Scud missiles. The crew flew 49 combat sorties accumulating more than 500 combat hours and a 100 percent mission effectiveness rate.

From December 1995 to March 1996 a testbed E-8A and a production E-8C showed their flexibility while supporting Operation Joint Endeavor, the NATO peacekeeping mission in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Joint STARS proved its effectiveness despite adverse weather conditions and rough terrain. Crews flew 95 consecutive operational sorties and more than 1,000 flight hours with a 98 percent mission effectiveness rate.

Joint STARS returned to support Operation Joint Endeavor in October 1996 when the first production E-8C from the 93rd Air Control Wing and a testbed E-8C from Northrop Grumman Corp. deployed to Germany. As NATO rotated troops stationed in Bosnia-Herzegovina, crews flew 36 operational sorties for more than 470 flight hours. The second production aircraft joined the first after it was delivered to the Air Force in December.

The first E-8C was accepted by the 93rd Air Control Wing at Robins Air Force Base, Ga., June 11, 1996.

General Characteristics
Primary function: Ground surveillance
Contractor: Northrup Grumman
Power plant: Four JT3D engines
Wing span: 145 feet 9 inches (44.4 meters)
Length: 152 feet 11inches (46.6 meters)
Height: 42 feet 6 inches (12.9 meters)
Speed: .84 Mach
Maximum takeoff weight: 336,000 pounds (152,408 kilograms)
Ceiling: Above 29,000 feet (8,788 meters)
Range: 11 hours; 20 hours with air refueling
Crew: Flight crew of 4 plus mission crew of 18 Army and Air Force specialists (mission crew size varies according to mission)
Armament: None
Unit Cost: $225 million
Date deployed: 1996