Grumman AF Guardian

The Grumman AF Guardian was the first purpose-built anti-submarine warfare (ASW) carrier-based aircraft to enter service with the United States Navy.

Variants

XTB3F-1

Prototypes of two-seat torpedo bomber powered by one 2,300 hp R-2800-46 engine and a Westinghouse turbojet; three built.

XTB3F-1S & -2S

Two modified XTB3F-1 prototypes with turbojet removed and ventral radome, later redesignated as XAF-1.

AF-2S

Production variant with 2,400 hp R-2800-48 engine.

AF-2W

Hunter variant with search radar in a ventral radome.

AF-3S

Hunter/Killer variant similar to AF-2S with retractable MAD boom.

Grumman Model G-90

Proposed combined AF-2S/-2W version, cancelled.

Specifications

Crew

Three

Length

43 ft 4 in (13.21 m)

Wingspan

60 ft 8 in (18.49 m) (about 25 ft-wings folded (7.62 m)

Height

16 ft 2 in (5.08 m)

Wing area

560 sq ft (52.03 m2)

Empty weight

14,580 lb (6,613 kg)

Max take-off weight

22,640 lb (10,270 kg)

Powerplant

1 × Pratt & Whitney R-2800-48W “Double Wasp” radial engine, 2,400 hp (1,790 kW)

Performance

Maximum speed

253 mph (510 km/h, 276 kn) at full throttle not to exceed 30 minutes at 15,000 ft (4,600 m) with a gross weight 21,000 lbs (9500 kg)

Range

1,500 mi (2,415 km, 1,304 nmi)

Service ceiling

15,000 ft (4,600 m)

Rate of climb

1,850 ft/min (9.4 m/s)

Armament

Rockets

6× 5 in (127 mm) unguided High velocity aircraft rocket (HVAR) rockets

Bombs

4,000 lb (1,814 kg) of bombs, torpedoes, and depth charges.