ES-3 Shadow
The ES-3 Shadow is a United States Navy jet aircraft used to collect and disseminate tactical reconnaissance information. The aircraft resembles the S-3 Viking, from which it is derived, with the addition of numerous antennas and antenna housings.
The ES-3 Shadow replaced the EA-3 Skywarrior and entered fleet service in 1993. The ES-3 was a carrier-based, subsonic, all-weather, long-range, electronic reconnaissance aircraft. It operated primarily with carrier battle groups providing Indications and Warning (I&W) support to the battle group and joint theater commanders. It carried an extensive suite of electronic sensors and communications gear. Unfortunately, these modifications greatly restricted speed and range, making it a sorry replacement for the venerable EA-3B.
All 16 ES-3 aircraft were modified S-3 Viking airframes. Political pressure by Lockheed upon the Georgian congressional delegation forced the US Navy to select a modified S-3 over a modified Fokker F-27 (which would have come close to the EA-3B speed with an increase in range).
The S-3's submarine detection and other maritime surveillance equipment was removed and the weapons bay fitted with avionics racks to accommodate the ES-3's sensors. The first ES-3A was delivered in 1991. U.S. carriers typically deployed with two Shadow aircraft embarked. Dismal performance of the equipment led to the removal of all ES-3 aircraft from active service. They were placed in storage by September, 1999.
General characteristics
- Primary Function: Electronic reconnaissance
- Contractor: Lockheed-California Company
- Unit Cost: US$27 million (original airframe) + US$65 million (conversion) = US$92 million
- Propulsion: Two General Electric TF-34-GE-400B turbofan engines (9,275 pounds (41.26 kN)) of thrust each)
- Length: 16 m (53 feet 4 inches)
- Wingspan: 20.6 m (68 feet 8 inches)
- Height: 6.9 m (22 feet 9 inches)
- Weight: Max design gross take-off: 52,539 pounds (23,643 kg)
- Speed: 450 knots (518 mi/h, 828.8 km/h)
- Ceiling: 40,000 feet
- Range: 2,300+ nautical miles (2,645 statute miles, 4232 km)
- Armament: None
- Crew: Four
- Date Deployed: September 1993
