ES-3A Shadow

Description:

The ES-3 is a carrier-based, subsonic, all-weather, long-range, electronic reconnaissance aircraft. It operates primarily with carrier battle groups providing Indications and Warning (I&W) support to the battle group and joint theater commanders. It carries an extensive suite of electronic sensors and communications gear.

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History:

The ES-3A was a signal intelligence modification of the S-3 Viking anti-submarine aircraft. All 16 ES-3 aircraft were modified S-3 Viking airframes. It replaced the EA-3B Skywarrior, a veteran of over 40 years fleet service. Flying out of NS Rota, Spain, the last EA-3B's in service were retired from the US Navy on October 1, 1991. Lockheed Martin converted 16 S-3A Viking antisubmarine-warfare aircraft into a replacements for the EA-3B. The S-3's gear was removed and the bomb bay converted to avionics racks to accommodate the ES-3's sensors. The first ES-3A was delivered in 1991, and the last one in 1993. This aircraft served as the over the horizon "ears" for the modern carrier battlegroup. The ES-3A was configured as an airborne refueling platform and could be utilized in the airborne tanking role.

One squadron on each coast was established and utilized the designation VQ. There were 16 ES-3A aircraft in the Navy’s inventory with 8 on each coast. US carriers typically deployed with two Shadow aircraft embarked. VQ-6 (Jacksonville, FL) deployed two aircraft per airwing for its entire set of "work-ups" and the 6-month deployment. The ES-3A accumulated more flight hours per aircraft than any other on the flight deck. With five East Coast Airwings, the turnaround time was considerably shortened to usually about 6 months. The Shadow deployed with every CVBG since 1993 with the last of the funded two-plane detachments on deployment with the USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65). The ES-3A Shadow provided indications and warnings for the Battle Group commander, and was normally assigned to AQ, the Command and Control Warfare commander, for tasking and mission assignment. Missions flown by the detachment included over-the-horizon targeting, strike support, war at sea and reconnaissance.

The ES-3A Shadow was decommissioned by September 30, 1999. The FY2000 budget did not allocate funds to continue the program hence both west and east coast squadrons (VQ-5 and VQ-6 respectively) were disestablished by fiscal year's end. Though just a short-lived history since it's inception in 1991, the Shadow provided valuable SIGINT to the Carrier Battle Group.

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Features:

The Navy's ES-3A was a high winged, jet powered, twin engine, carrier-based electronic reconnaissance mission aircraft equipped with folding wings, a launch bar, and a tailhook. The heart of the Shadow was an avionics suite based on the Aries II system of the land-based EP-3E Orion. The Shadow's fuselage was packed with sensor stations and processing equipment, and the exterior sports over 60 antennae. The ES-3A Shadow crew was comprised of a pilot, an NFO, and two systems operators. Advanced sensor, navigation and communications systems allowed the ES-3A's four-person crew to collect extensive data, and distribute that high-quality information through a variety of channels to the carrier battle group. This gave the battle group commander a clear picture of potential airborne, surface and sub-surface threats.

Weapon systems enhancements and upgrades to the electronic support systems were introduced to the fleet after test and evaluation was completed by VX-1 personnel. In 1998, the ES-3A completed delivery of Fleet Issue 4 and common improvement program, which added the AN/ARC-187 radio and replaced the AN/USH-26 recorders. A quick reaction capability prototype was also installed to demonstrate Delta Wing, an advanced signal processor. In addition, the ES-3A completed system design review for the Joint Airborne Signal Intelligence Compliance Program.

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General Characteristics:

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ES-3A Image Gallery:

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