https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lockheed_S-3_Viking
The Lockheed S-3 Viking is a four-seat, twin-engine turbofan-powered jet
aircraft that was used by the U.S. Navy to identify and track enemy submarines.
In the late 1990s, the S-3B's mission focus shifted to surface warfare and
aerial refueling. The Viking also provided electronic warfare and surface
surveillance capabilities to the carrier battle group. A carrier-based,
subsonic, all-weather, multi-mission aircraft with long range; it carried
automated weapon systems, and was capable of extended missions with in-flight
the "Hoover" after the vacuum cleaner brand.
The S-3 was retired from front-line fleet service aboard aircraft carriers by
the US Navy in January 2009, with its missions being assumed by other platforms
such as the P-3C Orion, Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk, and Boeing F/A-18E/F Super
Hornet.
The S-3 is a conventional monoplane with a high-mounted cantilever wing, swept
nacelles under the wings provide excellent fuel efficiency, giving the Viking
the required long range and endurance, while maintaining docile engine-out
characteristics.
The aircraft can seat four crew members, three officers and one enlisted
aircrewman, with the pilot and the copilot/tactical coordinator (COTAC) in the
front of the cockpit and the tactical coordinator (TACCO) and sensor operator
(SENSO) in the back. Entry is by an entry door / ladder which folds out of the
side of the fuselage.
Role
Carrier-based anti-submarine aircraft
National origin
United States
Manufacturer
Lockheed Corporation
First flight
21 January 1972
Introduction
1974
Status
Retired
Primary users
United States Navy (historical)
NASA
Produced
1974-1978
Number built
188
Unit cost
US$27 million (1974)
On 20 February 1974, the S-3A officially became operational with the Air
Antisubmarine Squadron FORTY-ONE (VS-41), the "Shamrocks," at NAS North Island,
California, which served as the initial S-3 Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) for
both the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets until a separate Atlantic Fleet FRS, VS-27,
was established in the 1980s. The first operational cruise of the S-3A took
place in 1975 with the VS-21 "Fighting Redtails" aboard USS John F. Kennedy.
The S-3B saw extensive service during the 1991 Gulf War, performing attack,
tanker, and ELINT duties, and launching ADM-141 TALD decoys. This was the first
time an S-3B was employed overland during an offensive air strike. The first
mission occurred when an aircraft from VS-24, from the USS Theodore Roosevelt
(CVN-71), attacked an Iraqi Silkworm missile site. The aircraft also
participated in the Yugoslav wars in the 1990s and in Operation Enduring Freedom
in 2001.
Naval analysts have suggested returning the stored S-3s to service with the U.S.
Navy to fill gaps it left in the carrier air wing when it was retired. This is
in response to the realization that the Chinese navy is producing new weapons
that can threaten carriers beyond the range their aircraft can strike them.
Against the DF-21D anti-ship ballistic missile, carrier-based F/A-18 Super
Hornets and F-35C Lightning IIs have about half the unrefueled strike range, so
bringing the S-3 back to aerial tanking duties would extend their range against
it, as well as free up more Super Hornets that were forced to fill the role.
Against submarines armed with anti-ship cruise missiles like the Klub and YJ-18,
the S-3 would restore area coverage for ASW duties. Bringing the S-3 out of
retirement could at least be a stop-gap measure to increase the survivability
and capabilities of aircraft carriers until new aircraft can be developed for
such purposes.
Specifications (S-3A)
General characteristics
Crew: 4 (Pilot, Co-Pilot/COTAC, TACCO, Sensor Operator/TFO)
Length: 53 ft 4 in (16.26 m)
Wingspan:
Unfolded: 68 ft 8 in (20.93 m)
Folded: 29 ft 6 in (9.00 m)
Height: 22 ft 9 in (6.93 m)
Aspect ratio: 7.73
Empty weight: 26,581 lb (12,057 kg)
Loaded weight: 38,192 lb (17,324 kg)
Max. takeoff weight: 52,539 lb (23,831 kg)
Internal fuel capacity: 1,933 US gal (13,145 lb)(7,320 L) of JP-5 fuel
Performance
Maximum speed:
429 kn (493 mph, 795 km/h) at sea level
Mach 0.79, 450 kn (514 mph, 828 km/h) at 20,000 ft (6,100 m)
Cruise speed: 350 kn (405 mph, 650 km/h)
Stall speed: 97 kn (112 mph, 180 km/h)
Range: 2,765 nm (3,182 mi, 5,121 km
Combat Radius: 853 km)
Ferry range: 3,368 nm (3,875 mi, 6,237 km)
Service ceiling: 40,900 ft (12,465 m)
Rate of climb: 5,120 ft/min (26.0 m/s)
Thrust/weight: 0.353
Armament
Up to 4,900 lb (2,220 kg) on four internal and two external hardpoints,
including:
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