The S-3 Viking reference article from the English Wikipedia on 24-Apr-2004
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S-3 Viking

Helping orphans the way you would do it

S-3 Viking
An S-3B Viking launches from the catapult aboard USS Abraham Lincoln, August 2002Enlarge

An S-3B Viking launches from the catapult aboard USS Abraham Lincoln, August 2002

Description
RoleASW
Crew4
Dimensions
Length53 ft 4 in16.3 m
Wingspan68 ft 8 in20.9 m
Height22 ft 9 in6.9 m
Wing area
Weights
Empty
Loaded
Maximum take-off52,539 lb23,539 kg
Powerplant
Engines2 GE TF-34-GE-400B turbofans
Power9,275 lb41 kN
Performance
Maximum speed450 knots828 km/h
Combat range
Ferry range
Service ceiling40,000 ft12,200 m
Rate of climb
Armament
GunsNone
Bombs3,958 lb1,781 kg


The Lockheed S-3 Viking is a United States Navy jet aircraft used to hunt and destroy enemy submarines and provide surveillance of surface shipping. The ES-3 version is fitted for electronic warfare and reconnaissance.

The S-3A Viking replaced the piston-engined Grumman S-2 Tracker and entered fleet service in 1974. The S-3 is a carrier-based, subsonic, all-weather, long-range, multi-mission aircraft. It operates primarily with carrier battle groups in anti-submarine warfare roles. It carries automated weapon systems and is capable of extended missions with in-flight refueling.

The last production S-3A was delivered in August 1978. The inventory includes S-3As and S-3Bs. Sixteen S-3As were converted to ES-3 Shadows for carrier-based electronic reconnaissance duties.

On May 1, 2003, US President George W. Bush rode in a Viking that landed on the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, where he then delivered his "Mission Accomplished" speech announcing the end of major combat in the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

General characteristics

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