We describe the first incoherent-scatter (IS) radar measurements made of the daytime E layer at equatorial latitudes. Using ALTAIR, a steerable IS radar located in the Kwajalein Atoll, we not only show that the E-layer profiles are consistent with those obtained in situ by rockets, we present the first direct evidence of a latitudinal gradient in plasma density in the bottomside E layer that extended from 3¿ N dip latitude to beyond 6¿ N. We suggest that the gradient involves the electrodynamic transport of metallic ions, e.g., the gradient could be produced by the equatorial metallic-ion fountain or possibly by the dumping of metallic ions at the base of the E layer by the wind-shear mechanism for spondic E. We close with a brief discussion of the implications of such a gradient on the equatorial electrojet. ¿American Geophysical Union 1995