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Grumman S-2T Turbo Tracker / Fire Tanker

Grumman · Aerial Firefighting Tanker (Piston/Turboprop Converted) / Aerial Firefighting Retardant Delivery · USA / Canada · Cold War (1970–1991)

Grumman S-2T Turbo Tracker / Fire Tanker — Aerial Firefighting Tanker (Piston/Turboprop Converted) / Aerial Firefighting Retardant Delivery
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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
Fire Tanker
Domain
Civil
Era
Cold War (1970–1991)
Country
USA / Canada
Manufacturer
Grumman
Co-Manufacturer
Conair (conversion)
Operator
USFS / CAL FIRE / Conair Aviation / France Securite Civile
Primary Role
Aerial Firefighting Tanker (Piston/Turboprop Converted) / Aerial Firefighting Retardant Delivery
Status
In Service
Service Entry
1970
Produced
150
Propulsion
Turboprop
Engine
2x Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67AF turboprop (Conair conversion)
Thrust / Power
1,227 shp each
Launch
Ground
Length (ft)
43.4
Wingspan (ft)
72.7
Empty Weight (lb)
18750
MTOW (lb)
29150
Payload (lb)
7200
Range (mi)
1150
Max Speed (mph)
260