Lockheed US-3A Viking 157997 United States Navy

These are 1/72 scale decals for the Lockheed US-3A Viking, BuNo 157997, operated by VRC-50 (Fleet Logistics Support Squadron Fifty) — one of the former YS-3A prototype airframes converted for the Carrier Onboard Delivery (COD) role.

The US-3A was a unique and little-known variant of the Viking family, born from the conversion of the YS-3A development prototypes into dedicated COD transports. With the ASW equipment removed and the fuselage reconfigured to carry passengers and cargo, the US-3A offered carrier strike groups a fast, jet-powered COD capability that could operate from the same deck as the rest of the air wing — a significant advantage over the propeller-driven C-1 Trader it supplemented. Only a handful of US-3A conversions were completed, making each airframe a genuinely rare subject.

VRC-50, the "Foo Dogs," was the Navy's primary Pacific Fleet logistics support squadron, based at NAS Cubi Point, Philippines, and responsible for COD operations across the vast distances of the Western Pacific. Operating a mix of C-2 Greyhounds and the handful of US-3As, VRC-50's aircraft were the lifeline connecting carriers on Westpac deployments to the shore — moving mail, spare parts, personnel, and high-priority cargo to ships that might be hundreds of miles from the nearest port.

A rare and seldom-modeled variant of the Viking family with a fascinating history as both a prototype and a frontline logistics workhorse. Please allow some time for decal printing and shipping.