S-3B Strike Viking
AN/AGM-32(V2) Maverick Plus System [ECP - NADEP NORIS S3B/008-00] is a new system which introduced loading, control, targeting and launching capabilities for Maverick Missile delivery to the S-3B aircraft. It will also provide the S-3B with full capability for in-flight control and targeting of the SLAM-ER Missile after it has been launched from another platform. Terminal phase control of the SLAM-ER Missile is through data link with the AN/AWW-13 Extended Range Data Link Pod carried by S-3B targeting and control aircraft. The MPS system added a new offensive capability to the aircraft. The S-3B "Strike Viking" combines advanced sensors and proven weapon systems to provide a force multiplier to the battle group. With the addition of the Harpoon anti-ship missile, the Viking now has a long range strike capability in the anti surface role. The S-3B is projected to serve the carrier battle group into the year 2009.
Upgrades to the radar, mission computer, communications and navigation suite will support organic reconnaissance capabilities in the littoral regions. Added to the planned airframe structural enhancements, these upgrades will curb obsolescence and ensure an adequate inventory of this essential platform well into the 21st century.
Capabilities being tested provide real time tactical data to units on the ground or onboard ships. In the summer of 1999, Commander Sea Control Wing Atlantic (CSCWL) and Commander Sea Control Wing Pacific (CSCWP) embarked on a joint demonstration of the Viking Surveillance System Upgrade (SSU). The Pacific Wing aircraft was fitted with Ultra High Resolution Synthetic Aperture Radar (UHR/SAR) imagery, Joint Tactical Information distribution System (JTIDS) Link-16, Real Time Sensor Data Link (RTSDL) and the AN/AYK-23 Digital Computer. A long range Electro Optical/Infra Red (EO/IR) sensor capable of real time data link to ground and airborne stations was placed in an Atlantic Wing aircraft. The modifications were done at Naval Air Warfare Center, Aircraft Division (NAWCAD), Patuxent River by Veridian contract personnel at Force Aircraft Test Squadron and Naval Air Station, Jacksonville, Florida. This joint effort minimized installation time and cost and maximized visibility.
The prototype S-3B Surface Surveillance Upgrade (SSU) represents years of collaboration between the Sea Control community and the defense industry to provide carrier battle groups an organic, all weather, real-time targeting asset. To a casual observer, it appears identical to every other S-3B Viking in service, but a look inside reveals cutting edge technology at the heart of Time Critical Strike. The new SSU incorporates Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), capable of producing detailed images of land objectives at great distances. Additionally, it has an information systems suite which enables instantaneous information access to warfare commanders, imagery analysts, and strike aircrew. Because the S-3B is carrier based, the SSU alleviates the complexity and time delay of a battle group having to task a national imagery asset to gain targeting information.
US Naval strike warfare relies heavily upon the effective use of precision guided, air-delivered munitions in all environmental conditions. The evolution of the Global Positioning System has yielded accurate and reliable weapons like the Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) and Joint Stand-Off Weapon (JSOW), which are unaffected by adverse weather conditions and allow aircrew to deliver their payloads at safer distances and altitudes. These weapons, however, are only as accurate as their assigned attack coordinates. The development of platforms that can precisely target enemies on land and pass these target coordinates to airborne strike aircraft in a timely manner is of great interest to the Navy.
During FY97 and FY98, four S-3B Aircraft were modified to employ the AGM-65F Infrared (IR) Maverick Missile. The Maverick modification kits were installed for fleet demonstration project purposes, and presently the IR Maverick Missile is in the Research and Development (R&D) process.
The SSU aircraft's first deployment was with the Abraham Lincoln Battle Group and the Blue Wolves of VS-35. It was flown from the deck of the Lincoln on a journey halfway around the world to NAS Jacksonville by members of VS-24 and VS-35. VS-24 aircrew participated in intense ground training in preparation for flying the SSU in combat operations and are anxious to employ its capabilities. After undergoing some refits and minor maintenance, the jet became an important asset during Carrier Air Wing Eight's combined COMPTUEX and JTFEX aboard USS Enterprise. The SSU deployed with VS-24 to the Mediterranean Sea and the Arabian Gulf in 2001.
In FY-00, a new program was begun to develop and integrate a system for the S-3B using information learned from the original proof of concept for aircraft equipment with Maverick Missile systems. This program, identified as the Maverick Plus System (MPS), began initial engineering efforts in the third quarter CY-00 with TECHEVAL conducted during the first quarter of CY01. OPEVAL began during the second quarter CY01 with integration into fleet aircraft begining in the late summer of CY01. Once installed the system is designated as AN/AGM-32B(V2).
Developmental testing of the S-3B Maverick Plus System (MPS) was completed in October 2001 at NAS Patuxent River, Md. The MPS project will provide every fleet Viking with the capability to carry, target and launch the AGM-65E Laser Maverick and AGM-65F IR (infrared) Maverick air-to-surface missiles, as well as the AGM-84H/K Standoff Land Attack Missile-Expanded Response (SLAM-ER) weapon. In addition, MPS also provides the S-3B crew with post-launch control of the SLAM-ER. The system greatly improves the Viking's ability to conduct combat antisurface warfare operations using each of these missiles, and also introduces the ability for overland strike missions using SLAM-ER.
Following the conclusion of operational testing in early 2002, the new system deployed with Sea Control Squadron (VS) 38, NAS North Island, Calif., and VS-30, NAS Jacksonville, Fla.
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
