ES-3 Shadow
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The ES-3A Shadow is a United States Navy jet aircraft used to collect and disseminate tactical reconnaissance information. Derived by Lockheed from their earlier S-3 Viking antisubmarine aircraft, it is modified with numerous additional antennas and antenna housings. The Shadow replaced the EA-3B Skywarrior, and entered fleet service in 1993.
Development
The ES-3A was designed as a carrier-based, subsonic, all-weather, long-range, electronic reconnaissance (ELINT) aircraft. All 16 aircraft were modified S-3 Viking airframes. Political pressure by Lockheed through the Georgian congressional delegation forced the Navy to select the modified S-3 Viking rather than a similarly equipped Fokker F27. The Fokker product would likely have come close to the EA-3B’s speed, with an increase in range.Service
The ES-3A operated primarily with carrier battle groups, providing organic ‘Indications and Warning’ support to the group and joint theater commanders. It carried an extensive suite of electronic sensors and communications gear, replacing the S-3’s submarine detection, armament, and maritime surveillance equipment with avionics racks accommodating the ES-3A’s sensors. Unfortunately, these modifications greatly restricted airspeed and range. As a result, the Shadow was considered by some to be an inadequate replacement for the venerable EA-3B.The first ES-3A was delivered in 1991, entering service after two years of testing. U.S. carriers typically deployed with two of the aircraft embarked. Excessive utilization rated of the aircraft caused the need for earlier than expected equipment replacement during a time when money for Naval aviationwas in short supply thus making them an easy target for budget driven decision makers. The ES-3A inventory was placed in Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Center (AMARC) storage by September, 1999.
General characteristics
- Propulsion: Two General Electric TF34-GE-400B turbofan engines 9,275 lbf (41 kN) each)
- Length: 16 m (53 ft 4 in)
- Wingspan: 20.6 m (68 ft 8 in)
- Height: 6.9 m (22 ft 9 in)
- Weight: Max design gross take-off: 52,539 pounds (23,643 kg)
- Speed: 450 knots (830 km/h)
- Ceiling: 40,000 ft (12,200 m)
- Range: 2,300 nautical miles (4260 km)
- Armament: None
- Crew: Four
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