FSX US Navy US-3A VRC-50 Foo Dogs 167997

Expand your Microsoft Flight Simulator X library with this highly detailed repaint of the US Navy US-3A VRC-50 “Foo Dogs” aircraft, identified by BuNo. 167997. Created by Antonio Diaz, this texture set brings the Lockheed S-3 Viking’s on-board logistics mission to life, integrating a carrier-capable design with historically accurate detailing and markings. The underlying model, expertly crafted by Dino Cattaneo, is not included in this package, but you may obtain it separately from the Fly Away Simulation mod library.

Unique Visual Refinements

This repaint showcases the specialized carrier on-board delivery (COD) configuration, ensuring every marking and surface texture aligns closely with real-world references. The outer surfaces reflect a precise color palette, while the fuselage and tail boast updated squadron insignias for the VRC-50 “Foo Dogs.” These details spotlight the distinctive identity of the US-3A, which was adapted from the baseline S-3B to fulfill critical transport and logistics duties aboard naval carriers.

Technical Context and Role

The Lockheed Viking series was originally designed as a four-seat, twin-engine naval jet tasked with detecting and tracking adversarial submarines. Over time, the airframe evolved to handle a broader mission spectrum, including surface surveillance and aerial refueling. The “Hoover” nickname stemmed from the aircraft’s low-pitched engines, reminiscent of a vacuum cleaner. Although the S-3 retired from front-line carrier operations in 2009, variants continued to serve key functions, especially with squadron VRC-50 handling COD operations—transporting essential materials and personnel to and from aircraft carriers.

Integration Details

• Engine Simulation: Retains the S-3’s twin turbofan performance parameters, adapted for the COD role in Microsoft Flight Simulator X.
• Visual Authenticity: Maintains accurate squadron symbols, flight numbers, and BuNo. 167997 references throughout the external model.
• Functional Compatibility: Operates flawlessly with Dino Cattaneo’s freeware model, ensuring seamless integration and performance.

Configuration Snippet

[fltsim.XX]
title=Lockheed US-3A Viking VRC-50 "Foo Dogs" BuNo.167997
sim=S-3B
model=
panel=
sound=
texture=VRC-50_167997
kb_checklists=s3b_check
kb_reference=s3b_ref
atc_airline=NAVY
atc_flight_number=714
ui_manufacturer=Lockheed
ui_type=US-3A Viking
ui_variation=VRC-50_167997
description="This repaint brings the VRC-50 'Foo Dogs' US-3A to your simulator, faithfully recreating its unique role as a carrier on-board delivery variant. Built upon the versatile S-3 Viking platform, this aircraft once excelled at surface warfare, electronic surveillance, and in-flight refueling support."

Installation Notes

1. Acquire the freeware Lockheed S-3 Viking base model from Dino Cattaneo, available in the Fly Away Simulation mod library.
2. Place the included texture folder into the correct aircraft directory within your Microsoft Flight Simulator X installation.
3. Copy or append the provided aircraft.cfg entry, adjusting “[fltsim.XX]” to the next available position.

Attribution

This repaint is brought to you by Antonio Diaz. The original Lockheed S-3 Viking model was assembled by Dino Cattaneo. Both contributors have devoted considerable effort to ensuring authenticity for enthusiasts seeking a realistic simulation of the US Navy’s carrier support operations.

Note that this is a repaint-only package and requires the freeware base model supplied elsewhere for full functionality.