The Viking was the only jet-powered aircraft to operate in the ASW mission for over three decades. It earned the nickname “Hoover” from fleet crews due to the distinctive sound of its engines. Initially equipped with state-of-the-art radar, sonar, and magnetic anomaly detection gear, the S-3A version made its mark as a versatile tool in the Navy’s arsenal against the Soviet submarine threat. A total of 187 S-3As were delivered, reflecting the Navy’s considerable investment in this specialized aircraft.
The end of the Cold War heralded a shift in the Viking’s role from purely ASW operations to a broader mission scope. Beginning in 1987, 132 of the original S-3As underwent equipment upgrades and weapons systems modifications, transforming them into the S-3B variant. This included the integration of modern weaponry such as Harpoon and Maverick missiles, and the AGM-84 Standoff Land Attack Missile Extended Range (SLAM-ER) missile., increasing the Viking’s efficacy as a surveillance and precision-targeting platform. It also took on the carrier’s primary overhead/mission tanker role after the retirement of the KA-6D Intruder.
On 1 May 2003, the aircraft made history when President George W. Bush was a passenger during a carrier arrest landing on board the flattop. In so doing he became the first sitting chief executive to trap on board an aircraft carrier. As is customary, during the time President Bush was aboard the aircraft it was known as “Navy One.”
The S-3B Viking’s attributes were many: a 2,645-mile range, a top speed of 518 mph at 25,000 feet, and Up to 3,958 lb. ordnance.
One of those four last S-3s transferred to NASA, is on its way to its forever home, right here on The Liberty Coast. Former naval flight officer and squadron commanding officer, Ed (call sign “Junior”) Turner shared with Liberty Life that one of those four aircraft (Number 159746) has been acquired by the National POW/MIA Memorial and Museum.”
Relevant articles:
– S-3B Viking, Navy (.mil)
– breaking Naval Aircraft, Liberty Life Media, Dec 1, 2022
– Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum, Air Zoo