[EDIT: Disregard, Raven One campaign issue] S-3B - side number in livery name isn't reflected on the aircraft (and other livery inaccuracies).

[Northstar98]

Hi everyone,

As of DCS 2.9.1.48111 the S-3B (and S-3B tanker) feature improved liveries:

S-3B:

• BD Navy Bloodhounds 703
• BD Navy Bloodhounds 704

S-3B Tanker:

• BD Navy Bloodhounds 700
• BD Navy Bloodhounds 702

While the side numbers for the S-3B Tanker reflect the side number given in the name of the livery, the S-3B unit does not and both liveries feature 700 as a side number, despite their name:

As stated above, the S-3B tanker is unaffected.

In addition to this, the liveries themselves have quite a few inaccuracies, namely:

• CVW-4 markings
• VS-36 markings
• USS Valley Forge Markings
• AH tailcode (appropriate for CVW-16).

CVW-4 was actually a readiness CVW (designated RCVW-4) and both it and CVW-16 were disestablished before even the prototype YS-3A took its first flight. Similarly, the USS Valley Forge was scrapped before the S-3A took its first flight.

I can barely find anything about VS-36, the only thing I've found is that it at least equipped S2F-1 Tracker aircraft, but nothing about any version of the S-3. Presumably it is also an inaccuracy. What's even more odd is that the previous VS-32 livery was actually more accurate to a real S-3B livery than what we're now seeing.

 

Sources:

1. https://www.seaforces.org/usnair/CVW/Readiness-Carrier-Air-Wing-4.htm
2. https://www.seaforces.org/usnships/cv/CV-45-USS-Valley-Forge.htm
3. https://www.airhistory.net/text/2019-07/s-3-viking-last-cruise.php

EDIT: Disregard these liveries are actually part of the Raven One campaign, without the campaign installed, only the same livery as before is present (i.e 0 liveries, just a default VS-32 livery).

Spoiler

It's probably for the wishlist, but personally it would be better if the side number (at least the last 2 digits) were dynamic and could be set in the mission editor (as with the majority of other aircraft).

Edited November 16, 2023 by Northstar98
New liveries are actually for Raven One

[Wingmate]

The bloodhounds liveries are from the Raven one campaign and are correct for that setting, apart from the modex issue.

[Northstar98]

1 minute ago, Wingmate said:

The bloodhounds liveries are from the Raven one campaign and are correct for that setting, apart from the modex issue.

You're absolute right - with the campaign uninstalled, no liveries are present, only a default one.