ES-3 Shadow
ES-3A 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 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
• Date Deployed: September 1993