These two videos show exactly what the pilot sees during a carrier landing — the approach, the “meatball” glide-slope indicator, and the controlled arrival on a moving deck. The second video features an S-3 Viking with audio of the constant power adjustments required to hold glide slope and prepare for a bolter if the arresting wire is missed.
If you look carefully in the S-3 Viking video, shortly before touchdown you can see the meatball to the left — the orange light centered between a row of green datum lights that tells the pilot he is on glide slope. A high meatball means too high; a low or missing meatball means wave off. If you can’t quite imagine landing on a moving postage stamp, this is what it looks like from the front seat.
S-3 Viking — What You’re Seeing
The S-3 Viking footage was shot from the co-pilot’s seat during an approach to an aircraft carrier. The conditions are ideal — calm sea, daylight, and a stable aircraft. With the volume up, you can hear the constant throttle changes required to maintain precise glide slope and airspeed, and to be ready for a bolter (missed wire, go-around) if needed.
Note: This video was originally mislabeled as an A-6 Intruder, but corrected thanks to a note from a retired Bombardier/Navigator from Florida, who pointed out the different nose shape and the fact that the A-6 does not have windshield wipers.
Imagine what this approach would be like at night in IMC — instrument meteorological conditions, commonly known as “pea soup.”
S-3 Viking Background
The VSX program (S-3) started in 1968, and in 1969 Lockheed was awarded the contract to develop the Navy’s new carrier-based, fan-powered ASW (Anti-Submarine Warfare) aircraft. It was designed to incorporate the latest concepts in sensors and computer-based data processing, display, and weapons control systems, enabling its four-man crew to effectively deal with the anticipated submarine threat.
The S-3 Viking replaced the old reciprocating-engine S-2 Tracker. All four crew members sit on ejection seats. The pilot’s controls include a control stick in place of the traditional wheel. The slightly swept wing and GE TF-34 fan engines provide long-range endurance at cruise speeds typical of subsonic jet aircraft.
With its APS-137 Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar (ISAR), ALR-67 Electronic Surveillance Measures (ESM) system, and Harpoon missile capability, the Viking plays a critical surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeting role. With the retirement of the A-6, it became the principal organic tanking platform for the battle group and a mainstay in offensive mining.
| Wing Span | 69 feet |
| Length | 53 feet |
| Height | 23 feet |
| Weight (empty) | 26,500 pounds |
| Weight (max takeoff) | 52,539 pounds |
| Speed | 518 mph |
| Ceiling | 40,000 feet |
| Range | More than 2,300 nautical miles |
| Power Plant | Two GE TF34-GE-2 turbofan engines |
| Crew | Four |
| Contractor | Lockheed |
