The ES- 3A Shadow has been derived directly from the famous
twin-engines anti-submarine Lockheed S-3 Viking. It was designed as a
carrier-based, subsonic, all-weather, long-range, electronic reconnaissance
aircraft with the specific purpose to replace the aging EA-3B Skywarrior
starting from the beginning of ‘90s. Basically the ES-3A was developed on
modified S-3A where an extensive set of electronic and modern sensors and communication
tools replaced the submarine detection and maritime surveillance equipment. The
new operating configuration has not changed the flight performance of Lockheed
“airframe”. The ES-3A has in fact a good flight range and it is  very reliable. Such features are very
appreciate for its new mission profile to support the U.S. Navy fleet in
the  tactical communications of the
various units of the battle group.