Reply #6: The S-3A Viking,

[ronnie624]

designed for anti-submarine warfare, entered service in 1975. Between 1987 and 1994, all US Navy S-3A aircraft were converted to S-3B with new mission and weapon systems for the anti-surface warfare and other roles. The S-3B has combat proven precision targeting and over the horizon precision targeting capability.

With the change in roles brought about by the end of the Cold War and the reduced submarine threat, the S-3 is undergoing a major avionics and weapon systems upgrade program and the crew is being reduced from four to three - pilot, copilot/tactical coordinator (COTAC) and tactical coordinator (TACCO).

In March 2003, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, an S-3B Viking aircraft from Sea Control Squadron (VS) 38, the "Red Griffins", became the first S-3B to attack an overland target with a laser-guided AGM-65E Maverick missile in combat. The aircraft was part of Carrier Wing 2 onboard USS Constellation.

<http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/s-3b/>