S-3 Viking
S-3 Viking is an anti-submarine aircraft manufactured by Lockheed Corporation. It was originally used by the United States Navy to identify, track and destroy enemy submarines. It also provides electronic warfare and surface surveillance capabilities to the carrier battle group. It operates primarily with carrier battle groups as an in-flight refueling.
The S-3 Viking’s maiden flight was on January 21, 1972 and was first introduced on 1974. On February 20, 1974, the S-3A became operational VS-41 Shamrocks Fleet Replacement Squadron. In 1975, the first operational cruise took place with VS-21 Fighting Redtails aboard John F Kennedy (CV-67). Since the submarine threat has been perceived as reduced, majority of Vikings antisubmarine warfare equipment were removed and were now used primarily for sea surface search, sea and ground attack, over-the-horizon targeting and aircraft refueling. The Viking has been used as a jet VIP transport, like the Abraham Lincoln. During the 1991 Gulf War, the S-3B saw extensive service and performed attack, tanker and ELINT duties and launched ADM-141 TALD decoys. It also took part in the Yugoslav wars in the 1990s and in Operation Enduring Freedom in 2001.
By 2009, the current Navy plans call for the retirement of all Vikings, so new aircraft can be introduced to recapitalize the aging fleet inventory. There’s a total 187 S-3 Vikings built.
The S-3A Viking has a crew of four, for a pilot, 2 Naval Flight Officers and Sensor Operator/TFO. It has a maximum speed of 429 knots (sea level), 450 knots (20,000 ft.). It incorporates two General Electric TF34-GE-2 turbofans. Armament includes up to 4,900 lb on four internal and two external hardpoints.
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