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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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