FSX US Navy S-3B Viking 747

This repaint set provides an updated livery designed specifically for Dino Cattaneo’s freeware Lockheed S-3B Viking package. It recreates a particular aircraft from VS-41, known as the “Shamrocks,” which once operated out of NAS North Island. VS-41 served as a training (RAG) squadron for S-3 crews until its disestablishment on September 30, 2006. In this depiction, the Viking wears a subdued Shamrock logo along with a “747” MODEX, reflecting an artistic interpretation by Russel R. Smith. Users must download Dino Cattaneo’s base model separately in order to utilize these textures.

Key Points of Interest

• Accurate Depiction: The repaint faithfully captures the subdued Shamrock insignia and aircraft registration, complementing the distinctive twin-engine layout of the S-3B.
• Operational Background: Lockheed’s S-3B Viking initially carried out anti-submarine warfare roles for the U.S. Navy, later transitioning to surface warfare duties and aerial refueling tasks. Because of its characteristic engine sound, it became unofficially known as the “Hoover.”
• Simulator Compatibility: These textures function effectively with Microsoft Flight Simulator X and Prepar3D v2.x. Ensure you already possess the freeware S-3B Viking base pack by Dino Cattaneo.
• VS-41’s History: This squadron specialized in training new S-3 aircrews and provided fleet replacement functions until the Viking platform began to phased out from carrier operations. Eventually, the U.S. Navy retired the S-3 from front-line service in January 2009, reallocating many of its previous roles to other platforms.

Installation Notes

1. Extract the contents into your existing "Lockheed_S3_Viking" folder, ensuring that "Use folder names" remains checked, so a "texture.VS-41_Shamrocks_Lo-Viz 2" directory is generated appropriately.
2. Confirm these files reside within the correct location inside your simulator’s directory. These textures are tested with both FSX (Microsoft Flight Simulator X) and Prepar3D version 2.xx.
3. Below is the recommended aircraft.cfg entry. Change “xx” to your next available entry number.

[fltsim.xx]
title=Lockheed S-3B Viking VS-41_Shamrocks_Lo-Viz 2
sim=S-3B
model=
panel=
sound=
texture=VS-41_Shamrocks_Lo-Viz 2
kb_checklists=s3b_check
kb_reference=s3b_ref
atc_airline=NAVY
atc_flight_number=747
ui_manufacturer=Lockheed
ui_type=S-3B Viking
ui_variation=VS-41 Shamrocks Lo-Viz 2
description="The Lockheed S-3 Viking is a four-seat, twin-engine jet operated historically by the U.S. Navy for anti-submarine warfare, surface warfare, and in-flight refueling. Nicknamed the Hoover, it was utilized in carrier-based operations for many years. After major fleet retirement in 2009, limited roles continued under VX-30 and NASA research missions. These textures depict the VS-41 Shamrocks, a training squadron previously stationed at NAS North Island. Repaint by Russel R. Smith."

Additional Historical Context

The real-world S-3B Viking showcased exceptional performance as a multi-mission jet. Over time, it took on electronic warfare and surface surveillance obligations to enhance carrier group defenses. Today, a handful of Vikings remain active under test and evaluation squadrons such as VX-30, supporting range surveillance at Naval Base Ventura County, and one example is operated by NASA for specialized research. These repaints commemorate the aircraft’s legacy and VS-41’s essential training contributions while maintaining the spirit of the original design from Dino Cattaneo and Russel R. Smith.