Lockheed US-3A Viking 157998 United States Navy

These are 1/72 scale decals for the Lockheed US-3A Viking, BuNo 157998, operated by VS-33 (Sea Control Squadron Thirty-Three) — one of the former YS-3A prototype airframes converted for the Carrier Onboard Delivery (COD) role.

The US-3A was a rare and unconventional variant of the Viking family, produced by stripping the ASW equipment from the YS-3A development prototypes and reconfiguring the airframe as a fast jet-powered COD transport. Capable of operating directly from a carrier deck, the US-3A offered a speed and range advantage over the propeller-driven C-1 Trader for time-sensitive logistics missions. With only a small number of conversions completed, every US-3A airframe had a distinct operational history — and BuNo 157998 is no exception.

VS-33, the "Screwbirds," was a Pacific Fleet sea control squadron based at NAS North Island, California, primarily known for its S-3 Viking ASW operations as part of carrier air wing deployments. The assignment of a US-3A to VS-33 reflects the ad hoc nature of the COD conversion program — with so few airframes available, the Navy distributed them across squadrons as operational needs dictated, giving ASW units an occasional logistics mission alongside their primary submarine-hunting role.

A companion piece to the VRC-50 US-3A and an equally rare subject, representing a different chapter in the brief but fascinating operational life of the US-3A. Please allow some time for decal printing and shipping.