After 60 years of unit history VS-21 "Red Tails" were decommissioned in February, 2005. Built in 1978 S-3A 160604 c/n 394A-1184 was the 184th of 187 Vikings built and was chosen to wear a special decommissioning paint scheme. The Commander of VS-21 provided photos and information as to what he wanted. A WWII era drawing of a woman was added to each side of the nose as well as modex 710. "NF" tail code was applied only to the starboard side and Bugs Bunny on the port side. Lockheed S-3B VikingDesigned to meet the US Navy's VSX requirement for an Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) aircraft to replace the S-2 Tracker, the S-3 was first flown on January 21st, 1972. Designed for long-endurance missions, the aircraft features a wide low-swept wing and under-wing mounted, high-bypass turbofan engines that produce a distinctively low-pitch sound, earning the plane the nickname "Hoover" (after the vacuum cleaner). After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the ASW role became less significant and the S-3 was increasingly used for surface warfare, surveilance and aerial refuelling missions before being retired from service in 2009.© Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc. Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power SeriesThe Hobby Master "1:72 Air Power Series" range presents detailed, ready-made diecast models of military aircraft.Hobby Master "1:72 Air Power Series" diecast airplanes feature:
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