US Navy, the S-3 Viking. Why is this gone?

[bladesinger79]

I understand that this was an old platform to conduct ASW carrier operations. The last one was retired from naval service in 2014.

So, the real question is this: What replaced it? The Osprey?!?

According to the database and what research I conducted, the navy failed to build a carrier launch jet or propeller aircraft to replace the Viking. All that's left is land-based Poseidons and Orions.

What do I use to fill the hangars with? Or, do I just say the heck with it and commission the Vikings back into service for an upcoming 2024 scenario project?

[Nikel]

Currently MH-60R Seahawk helicopters are managing ASW from carriers themselves and from the destroyers and cruiser of the CSG.

[HalfLifeExpert]

I don't know the exact answer, but I think its a combination of ASW work being handled by helicopters as well as budgetary concerns over developing a new Fixed-Wing carrier aircraft, especially considering how expensive the F-35C is

[Gunner98]

I think any replacement was sacrificed at the altar of the P-8. Osprey variant might be a good way to go...

[thewood1]

There's a duplicate thread below with a few more responses than this one.

[MadogLlewellyn]

I think any replacement was sacrificed at the altar of the P-8. Osprey variant might be a good way to go...

The Osprey is and would be the worst platform for ASW and COD... it's FMC rates are well below 50% on average across all squadrons and mission types... The S-3's were cut for budget reason not because we didn't need them. Just like the F-14D's were cancelled and the A-6F Intruder...It's sad to say but we the USA is becoming a paper dragon when it comes to the ability to project real war aka equal footing opponents like China and Russia.

[Klahn]

I think any replacement was sacrificed at the altar of the P-8. Osprey variant might be a good way to go...

The Osprey is and would be the worst platform for ASW and COD... it's FMC rates are well below 50% on average across all squadrons and mission types... The S-3's were cut for budget reason not because we didn't need them. Just like the F-14D's were cancelled and the A-6F Intruder...It's sad to say but we the USA is becoming a paper dragon when it comes to the ability to project real war aka equal footing opponents like China and Russia.

I think a big reason for the demise of the S-3 was simply deck space. Since the ASW role can be performed at close range by rotary wing, and the P-8 has such a range, speed, and loiter advantage against the P-3 that it can handle long range work, it isn't necessary to use CVN deck space for dedicated fixed wing ASW platforms.

The F-14 was a purpose-built interceptor to counter a very specific threat: massed bomber formations able to fire ASMs at long range. Once that threat was no longer there, the F-14's days were numbered. It was too large for air superiority work, and too unreliable for surge operations for either that mission, or bombing. The F-18E provided better A/G and better air superiority on a cheaper and more reliable airframe.

The A-6F died when the Navy pursued the A-12. No other reason than that. I think the Navy's decision to cancel A-6F (and A-6G) was to try to force Congress to save the A-12 program.

As far as COD, the Navy has no choice. An F-35C EPM won't fit in a C-2. Unless they want to try C-130s again, the V-22 is the only thing big enough to handle it that can easily land on a carrier. You can't convert to a modular maintenance concept if the only COD aircraft you have isn't big enough to carry the modules.

EDIT: I should add that the FMC rates for CMV-22B in the COD role were better than 75%. Mission completion rate was 98%, which exceeds that of the C-2.