Lockheed S-3B Viking W/ Moving Parts Model Kit

The Aircraft

The Lockheed S-3 Viking is a carrier-based, twin-engine turbofan jet aircraft designed for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and later adapted for various other roles. Here’s a brief overview of its development and significance:

Development

• Origins: The S-3 Viking was developed in response to the U.S. Navy’s VSX program in the mid-1960s, which sought a replacement for the Grumman S-2 Tracker.
• First Flight: The prototype YS-3A made its maiden flight on January 21, 1972.
• Production: A total of 188 S-3 Vikings were built between 1974 and 1978.

Significance

• Anti-Submarine Warfare: Initially designed for ASW, the S-3 Viking played a crucial role in detecting and tracking enemy submarines during the Cold War.
• Multi-Mission Capabilities: Over time, the S-3 was adapted for various roles, including aerial refueling, electronic intelligence (ELINT), and surface warfare.
• Combat Service: The Viking saw extensive service in conflicts such as the Gulf War, the Yugoslav Wars, and the War in Afghanistan.
• Retirement: The U.S. Navy retired the S-3 from front-line service in 2009, with the last operational S-3 being retired by NASA in 2021.

The S-3 Viking remains a significant aircraft in naval aviation history due to its versatility and long service life.

The Model

This was a super-fun airplane to design! I wanted to dip my toes into making some more jets and see if I could come up with a simple design that would allow the fan blades to spin and came up with this solution. Build is pretty solid, perhaps only needing some glue to keep the exhaust portion of the jet engine in place. Mine tended to want to fall off while taking these pictures and moving it along. For a previous test build it fit a bit tighter.

With the fan blade, be careful fitting it over the shaft so as not to snap off any blades.

As with my other models featuring moving parts, be extra careful when folding and unfolding the wings and vertical stabilizer. Otherwise, you should be able to get away with several changes in config without issue.

For extra assistance with assembly, check out this animation video.

And finally, pair it with the stand and sign: https://makerworld.com/en/models/588924#profileId-510254