Lockheed S-3 Viking

The Lockheed S‑3 Viking is a twin‑engine, carrier‑based anti‑submarine warfare aircraft developed by Lockheed Corporation for the United States Navy in the early 1970s. First flown on 21 July 1972, the Viking entered service in 1974, replacing the older S‑2 Tracker and quickly becoming the Navy’s primary maritime patrol platform. Powered by two General Electric TF34‑71 turbofan engines, the S‑3 provides a maximum speed of Mach 0.85, a range exceeding 2,000 nautical miles, and a ceiling of 41,000 feet, allowing long‑duration missions over open ocean. Its distinctive features include a pressurized cockpit for a crew of three, an integrated radar and electronic‑support suite, and a versatile weapons bay capable of carrying torpedoes, depth charges, anti‑ship missiles, and later, precision‑guided munitions. The aircraft’s modular design also supported the “Viking” tanker conversion, extending its utility as an aerial refueling platform. Over three decades, more than 500 Vikings were built, serving in the Gulf War, the Balkans, and Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. The S‑3’s blend of surveillance, strike, and refueling capabilities cemented its role as a flexible workhorse, influencing subsequent maritime patrol and multi‑mission aircraft designs.

Lockheed Corporation

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