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Mensaje: <blockquote data-quote="kenneth_valpo" data-source="post: 86683" data-attributes="member: 129">"JANE'S DEFENCE WEEKLY - AUGUST 02, 2006Chile set to decide on S-3BsRichad Scott Jane's Naval ConsultantLondonChile is weighing up whether to acquire a number of ex-US Navy (USN) S-3B Vikings to perform surface surveillance along its coastline.Deployed from USN carriers, the S-3B provides multimission support to battle group and joint commanders as thecarrier strike group's primary anti-surface warfare platform. In addition, it provides electronic surveillance, overland strike support and aerial refuelling.Powered by twin General Electric TF-34-GE-400B turbofan engines, the aircraft's mission suite includes the AN/APS-137 surveillance radar, a long-range electro-optical/infra-red sensor and the AN/ALR-76 electronic support measures system.Although the aircraft itself has significant life remaining, the USN opted in October 2002 to retire the S-3B from its carrier air wings by the end of 2009, commensurate with the fielding of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. The service is now working with Lockheed Martin, the aircraft's manufacturer, to offer surplus S-3Bs for further service overseas, with opportunities identified in Latin America, Central Asia and the Black Sea rim.'We think excess article S-3Bs will prove attractive on the grounds of low costs of ownership, a high dash speed, good low-level handling, a high-performance sensor suite and a long airframe life,' said Rick Kirkland, vice president of Lockheed Martin's newly formed Maritime Surveillance Enterprise.'The average airframe life expectancy is 23,000 hours, but the average life of the fleet today is only 11,000 hours.'Chile is currently at the front of the queue and looking to acquire a quantity of aircraft, 'which is more than six and less than 12', according to Kirkland.'The US Navy and the Chilean Navy have agreed the structure of the government-to-government transfer. We expect to hear whether the deal will go through in the next few months ... certainly by the end of the year,' said Kirkland.In parallel with the government-to-government activity, Lockheed Martin has established a broad contractor support team, including engine manufacturer General Electric, to offer through-life support.'Our intention is to offer Chile a full service to sustain, refresh and support the aircraft should it decide to proceed with the S-3B acquisition,' Kirkland said."Será que los S3 reemplazan a los P3???Los 10 Harpoon II aire-superficie recientemente adquiridos por Chile serán para armar a los S3???...me declaro plenamente confundido Saludos desde ValparaisoPd: a modo de rumor, se menciona tambien que la ACh estaria interesada en los E-2C Hawkeye....no será mucho????</blockquote>

Verificación: Libertador de Argentina