Pictures of C-141B 64-0649 being towed out of AMARC
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Lockeed S-3B 160605 in one of the shelters on the arrivals ramp shortly after retirement to AMARC. This aircraft, from the VS-41 'Shamrocks' based at NAS North Island, San Diego, CA.,
are the S-3 Fleet Replacement Squadron, responsible for the training of Naval Aviators, Naval Flight Officers, and enlisted Aircrew in S-3 type/model systems and tactics. As the S-3 Viking
nears the end of US Navy service VS-41 painted tail art on some of their last aircraft displaying the emblems of the last S-3 squadrons. 160605 displays the emblem of VS-29, the 'DragonFires', which
served between the years 1960 and 2004.
Another 'victim' of time and the US Navy's move to modernise and rationalise it's aircraft fleet, the 25 year old Lockheed S-3 Viking is nearing the
end of it's service life and the fleet is gradually arriving at AMARC to be retired. During the S-3 Viking's service with the US Navy it has been modified to fulfill a number of operational roles as the needs of the US Navy
airwing's have changed. It has proved to be a very successful and versatile carrier based platform but due to it's age and it's missions being transitioned
to more modern aircraft types it is planned that all S-3 Vikings are to be retired by 2007.
Originally designed as an Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) platform, the S-3A first flew on January 21, 1972. and when it was introduced into service in 1974 it replaced the aged, piston powered Grumman S-2 Tracker.
Powered by two General Electric turbofan engines the improved performance, operational range and latest electronic weapon
systems significantly improved the Navy's Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and Surface Surveillance capability. The ability to carry
an inflight refueling 'buddy' pack increased the S-3's value by allowing it to transfer fuel to other aircraft to increase their combat range.
The four man aircrew consists of a pilot, Copilot Tactical Coordinator (COTAC), acoustic Sensor Station Operator (SENSO), and Tactical Coordinator (TACCO), all seated in ejection seats.
Due to it's size the S-3 has folding wings and a folding vertical tail to allow storage on aircraft carriers.
The last S-3A was delivered in August 1978 after the production of a total of 187 aircraft.
Between July 1987 and July 1991, all east coast S-3A Aircraft were modified to S-3B standard at Naval Air Station (NAS) Cecil Field, FL. The west coast aircraft were modified at NAS North Island CA. between March 1992 and
September 1994.
The modifications involved upgrades to the aircraft's general purpose digital computer, acoustic data processor, radar, sonobuoy receiver, sonobuoy reference system, and electronic support measures.
It also involved the installation of an electronic countermeasures dispensing system and the Harpoon Missile System.
With the end of the Cold War and the reduced threat from Soviet block submarines the S-3B's mission was moved away from the ASW role to an Anti-Surface Warfare (SUW) role, being used for surveillance and precision-targeting using advanced weapon systems
including Harpoon and Maverick missiles and the AGM 84 Standoff Land Attack Missile Extended Range (SLAM-ER) missile.
Over the years there have been a series of upgrades to the S-3B fleet, helping to maintain it's effectiveness and viability as a modern combat aircraft. During the mid 1990's the S-3 took over principal inflight
refueling and offensive mine laying responsibilities from the Grumman KA-6D Intruder which was retired from service at that time.
Other variants of the S-3 include the ES-3A Shadow (carrier-based electronic reconnaissance), CS-3A (cargo version), KS-3A (dedicated tanker), and US-3A (personnel transport, or COD aircraft), only the S-3B is currently
in service. You can see more information and pictures of the ES-3A Shadow using the link available above.
Sikorsky SH-60B/F "Seahawk" helicopters and land-based P-3C "Orion" maritime patrol aircraft have now taken over the anti-submarine warfare mission, while the inflight refueling mission is currently being transfered over to the
advanced and multifaceted F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet. We will have to wait and see whether or not these S-3 replacements will live up to the S-3 legacy, but one thing is for sure, the S-3 Viking will
be a tough act to follow.
AMARC Database:
Lockheed S-3B Viking Specifications:
Engines
Manufacturer
..............
General Electric
Number/Model
..............
Two TF-34-GE-400B turbofan engines.
Max. Power Per Engine
..............
9,275 pounds of thrust
Performance
Maximum Speed
..............
450 knots
Maximum Altitude
..............
34,000 ft.
Loiter Speed at 20,000 ft.
..............
210 knots
Maximum Endurance
..............
7 hrs.
Ferry Range
..............
3,000+ nautical miles
Crew
Two/Four
..............
Pilot, Copilot Tactical Coordinator (COTAC), Acoustic Sensor Station Operator (SENSO), and Tactical Coordinator (TACCO)
