The E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) provides an airborne surveillance and command and control system capable of both early warning and tactical control of airborne operations. Boeing won the first AWACS development contract in 1970. Two 707-320B aircraft equipped with competing surveillance radars and test equipment were flight tested between 1970 and 1972. The E-3 AWACS has now been in active service since 1977.