Anti-submarine aircraft remain lethal search assets even when submariners publicly minimize their effectiveness. Carrier groups may need more of them than planners expect. The S-3 Viking combined fixed-wing reach with the sensors and endurance needed to search a broad area around the task group. Helicopters remain excellent at laying sonobuoy patterns, dipping sonar, and prosecuting a contact, but their shorter range leaves a capability gap after the Viking's retirement.
Notable Point · 2:02:25-2:04:19
The S-3 Viking gave carrier ASW long reach
The retired S-3 Viking illustrates the patrol range and search scope that helicopters cannot completely replace in a carrier group's anti-submarine screen.