The E-9A is a modified DHC-8 commuter aircraft that provides air-to-air telemetry support for weapons testing, target drone operations, and range clearance.
The aircraft supports operations at the Eglin Test and Training Range over the Gulf of Mexico and provides telemetry for weapons system evaluation at Holloman and the Utah Test and Training Range. 
Mission modifications include AN/APS-143(V-1) airborne sea surveillance radar, UHF telemetry, and signal relay systems. The E-9 is able to track flying and surface targets. It can detect small watercraft at ranges up to 25 miles.
The fleet operates in concert with three drone recovery vessels and two patrol boats to clear waterways and airspace of civil traffic before live-fire testing or hazardous military activities commence. It also provides tracking and assistance with recovering targets.
The aircraft can remotely initiate destruction of damaged or malfunctioning aerial target drones. FY21 funds are limited to low-cost sustainment and development upgrades.
Contractors: Bombardier (formerly De Havilland Canada); Sierra Nevada Corp. (conversion).
First Flight: June 1983 (DHC-8).
Delivered: 1988.
IOC: June 1988.
Production: Two.
Inventory: Two.
Operator: ACC.
Aircraft Location: Tyndall AFB, Fla.
Active Variants: •E-9A. Military surveillance version of the DHC-8 commuter airliner.
Dimensions: Span 39.5 ft, length 48.6 ft, height 12.2 ft.
Weight: Max T-O 34,500 lb.
Power Plant: Two Pratt & Whitney PW-120A turboprop engines, each 1,800 shp.
Performance: Speed 280 mph, range 1,000 miles.
Ceiling: 30,000 ft.
Accommodation: Two pilots, two mission operators.