Aircraft/Navy

Sea Power, Jan 2003

Modified Band 9/10 Transmitter (Band-7/-8). This system provides the fleet with the capability to permit jamming in the adjoining (Band-7/-8) frequency range to provide improved tactical flexibility and a critical counter to new surface-to-air missile threats. A technology demonstration program and nonrecurring engineering tasks started in July 2000. Development tests, operational assessment, first deliveries, and deployment capability are planned for 2004.

Universal Exciter Upgrade (UEU). The UEU provides greatly improved reliability and jamming effectiveness. The IOC was established in late 2000. More than 60 percent of the planned 480 UEUs have been delivered.

Integrated Maintenance Concept (IMC). The IMC is an improved maintenance concept to ensure that all scheduled maintenance requirements are justified by and traceable to an approved Reliability Centered Maintenance process. The results are improved aircraft material condition, improved readiness, and increased aircraft availability. EA-6B IMC prototypes are in progress and full implementation was expected in late 2002.

J-52-P-408B Engine Upgrade. This effort promises a 60 percent improvement in engine reliability, by increasing average on-wing time from the current 476 to 800 hours. The P-4088 incorporates proven power plant changes and acceleration of simultaneous incorporations at all production sites,

Expanded Mission Mobile Maintenance Facility (EMMMF). The EMMMF, located at Sembach Air Base, Germany, provides operational support for forward-deployed land-based EA-613 squadrons in Italy, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia.

S-3B VIKING

BRIEFING: The last of 187 of these carrier-based ASW aircraft was delivered in 1978. Beginning in 1988, the Navy modernized 119 S-3As into much-- improved S-3Bs (with APS-137 inverse synthetic-aperture radar (ISAR) and Harpoon cruise missile capability). The unusual versatility of this aircraft was demonstrated during Desert Storm when, during 1,712 missions covering 5,000 hours, S-3Bs engaged in force-interdiction operations in the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea, flew "SCUDCAP" missions in western Iraq, bombed an Iraqi AAA site in Kuwait, provided emergency tanker service throughout the theater, and took part in mine-detection operations in the Persian Gulf. Additionally, S-3Bs from VS-24 and VS-32 bombed and sank Iraqi patrol boats during Desert Storm. This was the first "combat action" and destruction of surface units by the S-3B Viking aircraft. In 1999, the Navy removed the acoustic ASW and aerial mining systems from the S-3B, but retained its surveillance, anti-surface warfare, and critical aerial refueling roles.

The Viking's versatility, long range, high endurance, and ability to carry standoff weapons resulted in a marked increase in its missions and flying hours. With the retirement of the A-6E, the S-3B is the sole organic refueling platform in the aircraft carrier task force while the number assigned to each carrier air wing has remained at eight aircraft.

During Operation Enduring Freedom, forward-deployed S-3B Viking tankers flew more than 200 percent over their normal flight hours underway, an unprecedented effort enabling air wing strike fighters to reach their assigned kill-boxes and return safely to the aircraft carrier from Afghanistan.