AWACS

[ ey-waks ]

noun

1. a sophisticated detection aircraft, fitted with powerful radar and a computer, capable of simultaneously tracking and plotting large numbers of low-flying aircraft at much greater distances than is possible with ground radar.

AWACS

/ ˈeɪwæks /

acronym for

1. airborne warning and control system

Word History and Origins

Origin of AWACS¹

1965–70; A(irborne) W(arning) A(nd) C(ontrol) S(ystem)

Example Sentences

Again, the Europeans have AWACS, but not enough crews to handle an all-hours campaign lasting months.

From The Daily Beast

The U.S., British, and French air forces each provided their own AWACS airplanes to maintain 24/7 coverage of the war theater.

From The Daily Beast