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Grumman S-2 Tracker

Grumman · Maritime Patrol / ASW · USA · Early Jet (1946–1969)

Grumman S-2 Tracker — Maritime Patrol / ASW
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The Grumman S-2 Tracker is the first purpose-built, single airframe anti-submarine warfare (ASW) aircraft to enter service with the United States Navy. Designed and initially built by Grumman, the Tracker was of conventional design — propeller-driven with twin radial engines, a high wing that could be folded for storage on aircraft carriers, and tricycle undercarriage. The type was exported to a number of navies around the world. Introduced in 1952, the Tracker and its E-1 Tracer derivative saw service in the U.S. Navy until the mid-1970s, and its C-1 Trader derivative until the mid-1980s, with a few aircraft remaining in service with other air arms into the 21st century. Argentina was the last country to operate the Tracker, with the last two Trackers being taken out of service on 19 November 2025.

Specifications

Category
Fixed Wing
Sub-Category
Maritime Patrol
Domain
Dual-Use
Era
Early Jet (1946–1969)
Country
USA
Manufacturer
Grumman
Operator
USN / RCAF / RAN / ROCAF / Brazil / Argentina / many
Primary Role
Maritime Patrol / ASW
Status
Retired
Service Entry
1954
Produced
1281
Propulsion
Piston
Engine
2x Wright R-1820-82WA Cyclone
Thrust / Power
2,800 hp total
Launch
Ground
Length (ft)
43.5
Wingspan (ft)
72.7
Empty Weight (lb)
18315
MTOW (lb)
29150
Payload (lb)
4000
Endurance (hr)
9
Service Ceiling (ft)
22000
Range (mi)
1350
Max Speed (mph)
265
Armament
4x Mk-44 torpedoes; 60x sonobuoys; Mk-54 depth bombs; rockets