Which aircraft is primarily associated with antisubmarine warfare?

The S-3 Viking is primarily associated with antisubmarine warfare due to its design and operational capabilities. Originally developed by Lockheed, the S-3 was specifically built to detect and attack submarines. It features advanced sonar buoys, a magnetic anomaly detector (MAD), and other sensors to locate and engage underwater threats.

The aircraft is equipped with an internal weapons bay that can carry various munitions specifically for anti-submarine missions, including torpedoes. Additionally, the S-3 Viking can operate from aircraft carriers, providing the Navy with a versatile platform that enhances fleet defense against submarine threats.

In contrast, the other aircraft listed have different primary roles. The F-177A Stealth is primarily an air-to-ground stealth bomber, the F-14 Tomcat is primarily a multirole fighter designed for air superiority and fleet defense, while the AH-64 Apache is an attack helicopter designed for close air support and anti-armor tactics. Therefore, the S-3 Viking stands out as the aircraft explicitly associated with antisubmarine warfare.