FSX US Navy S-3B Viking 741

Enhance your Microsoft Flight Simulator X or Prepar3D setup with this unique repaint package crafted by Russel R. Smith for Dino Cattaneo’s free Lockheed S-3B Viking model. Inspired by the real-world airframe once operated by VS-41, the “Shamrocks,” this livery reflects a versatile maritime patrol jet that was pivotal in submarine detection and surface warfare. The reference aircraft is displayed today at the USS Midway Museum, commemorating the operational legacy of a Navy squadron that disbanded in 2006. You will need to download and install Dino Cattaneo’s base S-3B Viking freeware package, which you can find in the Fly Away Simulation library.

Background of the S-3B Design and Squadron Service

The Lockheed S-3 Viking was developed to track enemy submarines with precision sensor suites, and over time it adopted expanded roles such as aerial refueling and surface surveillance. Often referred to as the “Hoover” for its distinctive engine tone, this twin-engine subsonic platform carried automated systems for all-weather missions and excelled at long-duration flights. While front-line service ended in 2009, a few airframes remain operational under specialized units, including NASA’s research fleet. Historically, VS-41 functioned as a fleet replacement (RAG) unit, training pilots and crew in the operation of the Viking until the squadron’s closure.

Repaint Focus and Display Aircraft

This aircraft’s markings reflect the low-visibility scheme that VS-41 maintained while stationed at NAS Whidbey Island. The design aligns with early 2000s Navy standards, featuring subdued tones that limit detection at sea. Although it is an artistic rendition, these textures accurately represent the nose art, insignias, and stenciling found on this Viking airframe. The real example bearing these markings now resides at the USS Midway Museum, reminding visitors of the enduring legacy of the “Shamrocks.”

Installation Steps

• Unzip the texture folder into your existing “Lockheed_S3_Viking” directory located in your simulator’s aircraft folder. Ensure the unzipping process preserves the folder structure so the new folder name appears correctly as texture.VS-41_Shamrocks_Lo-Viz.
• Confirm that you have Dino Cattaneo’s S-3B Viking base files installed beforehand. Only these textures are provided here.
• Compatible with Microsoft Flight Simulator X as well as Prepar3D version 2.XX.
• Insert the following section into the aircraft.cfg file, changing “xx” to the next available fltsim number.

[fltsim.xx]
title=Lockheed S-3B Viking VS-41_Shamrocks_Lo-Viz
sim=S-3B
model=
panel=
sound=
texture=VS-41_Shamrocks_Lo-Viz
kb_checklists=s3b_check
kb_reference=s3b_ref
atc_airline=NAVY
atc_flight_number=741
ui_manufacturer=Lockheed
ui_type=S-3B Viking
ui_variation=VS-41 Shamrocks
description="The Lockheed S-3 Viking is a four-seat twin-engine jet aircraft that was used by the U.S. Navy to identify and track enemy submarines. In the late 1990s, the S-3B's mission focus shifted to surface warfare and aerial refueling. The Viking also provided electronic warfare and surface surveillance capabilities to the carrier battle group. A carrier-based, subsonic, all-weather, multi-mission aircraft with long range, it carried automated weapon systems, and was capable of extended missions with in-flight refueling. Because of the engines low-pitched sound, it was nicknamed the 'Hoover' after the vacuum cleaner brand.
The S-3 was retired from front-line fleet service aboard aircraft carriers by the US Navy in January 2009, with its missions being assumed by other platforms such as the P-3C Orion, SH-60 Seahawk, and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. Several examples continue to be flown by Air Test and Evaluation Squadron THREE ZERO (VX-30) at Naval Base Ventura County / NAS Point Mugu, California for range clearance and surveillance operations on the NAVAIR Point Mugu Range, and a single example is operated by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) at the NASA Glenn Research Center."