Bummer. The Hoover actually got more capable and versatile as it aged. It many ways it was more valuable to the fleet in the end. It always comes down to $$$$$$$$$.
I'm sure some of the VFA bubba's will playfully disagree, But the Tomcat was the exact same way with basically taking on the F/A role in the 90's and with the D models and addition of LANTIRN (Which VS-32 inherited and used well).
http://www.jacksonville.com/news/metro/2009-01-29/story/jacksonville_says_farewell_to_s_3_vikings
Hoovers Forever.
CAINS II, EFI's, SLAM-ER, other boxes.....it is sad to see her go. At least NASA still flies her!Playful disagreement is always fun. But in this case I don't see the disagreement. It is a fact that from S-3A to S-3B and sunset, the Viking took on Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar, a better APU, newer avionics, Harpoon, Maverick, refueling pod, and LANTIRN, just off the top of my head. Who could disagree those changes wouldn't make any aircraft more capable and by extension, better.
I got my copy in the mail today Sir!Nice farewell pic on the new cover of The Hook...
My mail must be slow or something.. No hook here today (but I did get my truck and motorcycle titles)
Are helicopters flying all the anti-sub missions from carriers, or are there other fixed-wing aircraft filling the role of the S-3?
From my understanding there aren't all that many anti-submarine missions any more. Which is probably one of the many reason they took the "Anti-Submarine" portion out of the AW Rate.
CAINS II, EFI's, SLAM-ER, other boxes.....it is sad to see her go. At least NASA still flies her!
Test guys flying them?VX-30 is supposed to be getting some Vikings out here from range work at Point Mugu.
I fear that this may turn into one of those missions we realize that we still need after something blows up ala Minesweeping.