1/72 S-3B Viking VS-35 Santa Tracker

Hobby Master 1/72 S-3B Viking VS-35 Santa Tracker

Lockheed S-3A Viking 160124 C/N 3106 converted to a "B" spent time with VS-21 "Redtails" as NH-701, with VS-35 "Blue Wolves" as NK-700 and with VS-22 "Swordsmen" AC-703. With VS-35 "Blue Wolves" CAG aircraft wore a unique tail paint scheme of a Blue Wolf dressed like an Old West gunslinger wearing a holstered gun. VS-35 gave this CAG Viking a humorous Christmas paint scheme "Santa Tracker" for their cruise in 2002. In 2005 marked as AC-703 160124 arrived at AMARC and 4 months later was SOC.

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, surveillance and aerial refueling missions before being retired from service in 2009.

Features:
- Scale 1:72
- Length: 9" width: 11.5"
- Diecast metal construction with some plastic components
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details
- Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals
- Opening canopies, revealing detailed cockpit interiors
- Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear
- Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight"
- Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards
- Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads