Hobby Master 1/72 Air Power Series HA4910 Lockheed S-3B Viking "100 Years of Naval Aviation" BuNo 160581, VX-30 "Bloodhounds", 2011. 1/72 Scale Diecast Model, Size: 11.5" Wingspan & 9" Long, Optional Up & Down Landing Gear, Armaments & Display Stand Are Included.

The Lockheed S-3 Viking is a 4-crew, twin-engine turbofan-powered jet aircraft that was used by the U.S. Navy (USN) primarily for anti-submarine warfare. In 1974 the Lockheed S-3 Viking entered service with the USN as a twin-engine jet aircraft used for enemy submarine warfare. By the late 1990Æs the role shifted to surface warfare providing the carrier battle group with long range surveillance capabilities and aerial refueling. The S-3 was in production from 1974 until 1978 with 186 (187) aircraft completed. Most airframes saw upgrades low pitch sound of the engines earned the S-3 the nickname ôHooverö after the vacuum cleaner. Primary Role: Carrier-Based Anti-Submarine Aircraft Carrier Anboard Delivery (US-3A variant).

To celebrate ô100 Years of Naval Aviationö S-3B Viking 160581 c/n 394A-1161 VX-30 ôBloodhoundsö was painted a blue-gray over light gull gray the same scheme worn by USN aircraft at the Battle of Midway, June 1942. The paint is a combination of colors and markings worn by TBD-1 Devastator torpedo bombers and SBD Dauntless scouting squadrons in 1942. The first flight of the Viking took place in January 1972 and all S-3s were retired in 2009 with the exception of 3 aircraft that were flown by VX-30 until 2016.