The S-3A's operational equipment cost considerably more than the aircraft itself. Refueling probe, MAD tail boom, Forward Looking Infra-Red, and other sensors all retract. Modern specially designed APS-116 radar is winch in the nose. Equipment includes Carrier Aircraft Inertial Navigation System (CAINS), comprehensive sonobuoy dispensing and control systems, doppler, very extensive radio navaid and altitude systems, radar warning and ECM systems, extensive communications, and Univac digital processor to manage all tactical and navigation information.
NDANG 30th Anniversary Air Show, Saturday June 25, 1977 at Hector Field, Fargo, ND. Photo by Bob Nelson