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| ES-3 Shadow | ||
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| Description | ||
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| Powerplant | ||
| Engines | ||
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| Combat range | ||
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| Armament | ||
| Guns | ||
| Bombs | ||
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.
All 16 ES-3 aircraft were modified S-3 Viking airframes. 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. All ES-3 aircraft were removed from active service and placed in storage by September, 1999.
General characteristics