Bloodhound 700 (S-3B BuNo 160147) leads Bloodhound 341 (NP-3D BuNo 150521) over the coast line of southern California.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Lockheed P-3 Orion - СШАUSA - 1958Lockheed S-3 Viking - СШАUSA - 1972

The NP-3Ds gain their versatility through the extended area test system radar, with its antenna housed in the 'Billboard' measuring approximately 6ft (1,83m) high and 12ft (3.66m) long that sits atop the fuselage just forward of the fin.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Lockheed P-3 Orion - СШАUSA - 1958

NP-3D BuNo 153443/BH302 is painted in an orange and white colour scheme.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Lockheed P-3 Orion - СШАUSA - 1958

The large 'Billboard' antenna fitted to NP-3D Orion BuNo 150521 is difficult to distinguish in this shot.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Lockheed P-3 Orion - СШАUSA - 1958

VX-30's two Billboard NP-3Ds are 47 years old, but still look resplendent in their glossy white livery.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Lockheed P-3 Orion - СШАUSA - 1958

During the Shuttle's re-entry, VX-30 uses the Cast Glance photometric system to image the underneath of the Shuttle in real time. On STS-132 the NP-3D got within 30 miles of Atlantis and recorded a Mach 13 point.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Lockheed P-3 Orion - СШАUSA - 1958

NP-3D BuNo 150521/BH341 is one of only two 'Billboard' Orions in the Navy fleet.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Lockheed P-3 Orion - СШАUSA - 1958

NAWS Point Mugu is home to VX-30 and its fleet of NP-3 Orions and the Pacific Fleet Airborne Early Warning Wing, Pacific which comprises of five E-2 Hawkeye squadrons.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Lockheed P-3 Orion - СШАUSA - 1958

S-3B BuNo 160147 before its markings was fully complete.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Lockheed S-3 Viking - СШАUSA - 1972

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Lockheed S-3 Viking - СШАUSA - 1972

S-3B Viking BuNo 160147/BH700 is painted in full colour markings and serves as the VX-30 CAG-bird.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Lockheed S-3 Viking - СШАUSA - 1972

S-3B BuNo 160147 close-up to the C-130 camera ship.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Lockheed S-3 Viking - СШАUSA - 1972

VX-30 is expecting to operate the S-3B Viking until 2015, making it the last US Navy squadron to operate the type.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Lockheed S-3 Viking - СШАUSA - 1972

VX-30's first S-3B Viking was delivered the squadron on February 16, 2009.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Lockheed S-3 Viking - СШАUSA - 1972

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Lockheed S-3 Viking - СШАUSA - 1972

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Lockheed C-130 Hercules - СШАUSA - 1954

VX-30's KC-130F BuNo 148897/400 on final approach to NAWS Point Mugu in California.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Lockheed HC-130 / KC-130 / MC-130 - СШАUSA - 1959