Hobby Master: 1/72  HA4911

Lockheed S-3B Viking

USN VX-30 Bloodhounds, Naval Aviation 100th Anniversary 2011

To celebrate "100 Years of Naval Aviation" S-3B Viking 160581 c/n 394A-1161 VX-30 "Bloodhounds" was painted a blue-gray over light gull gray the same scheme worn by USN aircraft at the Battle of Midway, June 1942. The paint is a combination of colors and markings worn by TBD-1 Devastator torpedo bombers and SBD Dauntless scouting squadrons in 1942. The first flight of the Viking took place in January 1972 and all S-3s were retired in 2009 with the exception of 3 aircraft that were flown by VX-30 until 2016.

Lockheed S-3B Viking

Designed 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 with the exception of 3 aircraft that were flown by VX-30 until 2016.

The 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:

• Molded metal construction with plastic components.
• Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
• Inscriptions and posters printed with a stamp that do not fade or fall off like decals.
• opening of awnings, revealing detailed within the cockpit.
• Extended / retracted interchangeable landing gear.
• Display stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
• Authentic detachable artillery cargoes complete with placards.