BuNo, 159731

The S-3 Viking replaced the S-2 Tracker in carrier-based ASW (Anti-Submarine Warfare) operations by the mid 1970s. In the 1990s, the Viking's focus shifted to surface warfare and aerial refueling. The versatile Viking (often called "The Swiss Army Knife of Naval aviation"), is being replaced by the F/A-18 Super Hornet. The S-3B Viking on display participated in Operation Desert Shield/Storm in Iraq 1990-1991, Operation Restore Hope in Somalia 1992, Enforce No-Fly Zone in Iraq 1993, 1996-1998, Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan 2001, and Operation Iraqi Freedom 2003-2004.

Manufacturer: Lockheed (later Lockheed Martin)

Type: carrier-based anti-submarine aircraft

Crew: pilot,co-pilot,two systems operators

Powerplant: two 9,275 lb (4,207 kg) static thrust

General Electric TF-34-GE turbofans

Wingspan: 68 ft 8 in (20.93 m)

Length: 53 ft 4 in (16.26 m )

Height: 22 ft 9 in (6.93 m)

Weight: 26,650 lbs (12,088 kg) empty; 52,430 lbs

(23,832 kg) maximum

Armament: up to four MK-46 torpedoes, bombs,

or mines in internal weapons bay; two under

wing stations for Harpoon or Maverick

(medium range) air-to-surface missles, or

external fuel cells; or up to 4,000 lbs (1814 kg)

total ordnance

Maximum Speed: 518 mph (833.5 km/h)

Combat radius: 600 miles (965.5 kilometers)

Service ceiling: 40,000 ft (12,192 m)

This aircraft is on loan from the National Museum

of Naval Aviation at Pensacola, Florida

Courtesy hmdb.org

Credits and Sources: