FSX US Navy Lockheed S-3B Viking

This repaint showcases a carefully crafted texture set for the Lockheed S-3B Viking by Dino Cattaneo, reflecting the distinctive markings of the VS-21 “Redtails.” The real squadron served at Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi, and on February 28, 2005, it was formally taken out of service when the aircraft type was phased out of the United States Navy’s lineup. These textures replicate the Tactical Paint Scheme (TPS) worn by the Viking at that time, though they represent an artistic approximation by Russel R. Smith. To use them in Microsoft Flight Simulator X, you must obtain Dino Cattaneo’s freeware Lockheed S-3B Viking base package. This add-on only includes the repaint files.

Background on the Viking and VS-21

The Lockheed S-3B Viking is a carrier-based aircraft renowned for its anti-submarine operations. It features twin turbofan engines and a four-person crew for missions focused on tracking submarines and later conducting surface warfare. As the “Hoover,” it earned its nickname from the characteristic low-frequency sound of its engines. Squadron VS-21, labeled “Redtails,” was once stationed at NAF Atsugi in Japan, a crucial base for U.S. naval aviation in the region. The unit’s deactivation represented the broader retirement of the S-3B from frontline service.

Additional Role Shifts

While the Viking was originally dedicated to submarine detection, it later expanded into aerial refueling, surface surveillance, and even electronic warfare duties. The aircraft’s flexibility prolonged its use by carrier strike groups, but by early 2009, front-line operations ended. Various missions were subsequently transferred to other platforms, though a handful of S-3 airframes remained active for testing, research, and specialized ranges.

Installation Instructions

1. Unpack the included files into your “Lockheed_S3_Viking” folder. Confirm that the option to preserve folder structure is enabled. This ensures the “texture=VS-21 TPS RRS” folder is generated.
2. Add the following lines to your aircraft.cfg, replacing x with the correct increment in your current configuration.

[fltsim.x]
title=Lockheed S-3B Viking VS-21 Redtails TPS
sim=S-3B
model=
panel=
sound=
texture=VS-21 TPS RRS
kb_checklists=s3b_check
kb_reference=s3b_ref
atc_airline=NAVY
atc_flight_number=712
ui_manufacturer=Lockheed
ui_type=S-3B Viking
ui_variation=VS-21 RedTails TPS
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."

Additional Notes

This repaint demands the freeware S-3B base model from Dino Cattaneo, which can be located through Fly Away Simulation’s repository. It does not incorporate any aircraft flight models, panels, or sounds—only the livery files. Install it properly, verify the texture entry, and explore the historical significance of one of the Navy’s key sub-hunting jets.

Credits: Repaint by Russel R. Smith. Original Lockheed S-3B Viking by Dino Cattaneo.