1st Flight 1952
The Grumman S-2 Tracker (S2F prior to 1962) was the first purpose-built, single airframe anti-submarine warfare (ASW) aircraft to enter service with the United States Navy.
Variants
XS2F-1
Two prototype anti-submarine warfare aircraft powered by 1,450 hp R-1820-76WA engines.
YS2F-1
Designation of the first 15 production aircraft used for development, redesignated YS-2A in 1962.
S2F-1
Initial production variant with two 1,525 hp R-1820-82WA engines, re-designated S-2A in 1962.
S2F-1T
Trainer conversion of S2F-1, redesignated TS-2A in 1962.
S2F-1U
Utility conversion of S2F-1, redesignated US-2A in 1962.
S2F-1S
S2F-1 conversion with Julie/Jezebel detection equipment, redesignated S-2B in 1962.
Survivors converted to US-2B after removal of ASW gear.
S2F-1S1
S2F-1S fitted with updated Julie/Jezebel equipment, redesignated S-2F in 1962.
S2F-2
As S2F-1 with asymmetrical (port-side) extension of bomb bay, slightly enlarged tail surfaces, most redesignated S-2C in 1962.
S2F-2P
Photo reconnaissance conversion of S2F-2, redesignated RS-2C in 1962.
S2F-2U
Utility conversion of S2F-2/S-2C, redesignated US-2C in 1962.
Some were used as target tugs.
S2F-3
Enlarged forward fuselage, enlarged tail surfaces, additional fuel capacity, and enlarged engine nacelles bays for 32 sonobuoys, redesignated S-2D in 1962.
S2F-3S
As S2F-3 but with Julie/Jezebel equipment, redesignated S-2E in 1962.
YS-2A
YS2F-1 redesignated in 1962.
S-2A
S2F-1 redesignated in 1962.
TS-2A
S2F-1T training version redesignated in 1962 and 207 conversion from S-2A.
US-2A
S-2A converted as light transports/target tugs, 51 conversions.
S-2B
S2F-1S redesignated in 1962.
US-2B
Utility and target tug conversions of S-2A and S-2B; most S-2Bs were converted and 66 S-2As.
S-2C
S2F-2 redesignated in 1962.
RS-2C
S2F-2P photo-reconnaissance version redesignated in 1962.
US-2C
S2F-2U utility version redesignated in 1962.
S-2D
S2F-3 redesignated in 1962.
YAS-2D/AS-2D
Proposed self-contained night attack aircraft to be developed under Operation Shed Light; none produced.
ES-2D
Electronic trainer conversion of the S-2D.
US-2S
Utility conversion of the S-2D.
S-2E
S2F-3S redesignated in 1962.
S-2F
S2F-1S1 redesignated in 1962.
US-2F
Transport conversion of S-2F.
S-2G
S-2E conversions with updated electronics (primarily AN/AQA-7 DIFAR sonobuoy processor and AN/ARR-75 sonobuoy receiver)
CS2F-1
Initial production run of anti-submarine warfare aircraft for Canada based on S2F-1.
A total of 42 built by De Havilland Canada.
CS2F-2
Improved version of CS2F-1 with Litton Industries tactical navigation equipment.
A total of 57 were built by De Havilland Canada.
CS2F-3
New designation given to 43 CS2F-2 aircraft upgraded with additional electronics.
CP-121
New designation given to all CS2F-1, -2, and -3 aircraft following unification of Canadian military in 1968.
Military S-2T Turbo Tracker For Argentina
Upgraded S-2E with new engines and military equipment by IAI in the 1990s for the Argentine Navy.
6 upgraded.
Military S-2T Turbo Tracker For Taiwan
Upgraded S-2E/S-2G with new engines and military equipment by Grumman from 1986 to 1992 for the ROC Air Force.
27 upgraded.
S-2T Turbo Tracker
Civil conversion
S-2AT
Civil firefighter conversion with turboprop engines.
S-2ET
Civil conversion
Marsh Aviation S-2F3AT Turbo Tracker
Turboprop conversion, powered by two Garrett TPE331 engines.
A total of 22 are operated by the CDF.
Conair Firecat or Turbo Firecat
Civil conversion as a single-seat firefighting aircraft.
Specifications
Crew: 4
Length: 43 ft 6 in (13.26 m)
Wingspan: 72 ft 7 in (22.12 m)
Height: 17 ft 6 in (5.33 m)
Wing area: 485 sq ft (45.1 m2)
Empty weight: 18,315 lb (8,308 kg)
Gross weight: 23,435 lb (10,630 kg)
Max take-off weight: 26,147 lb (11,860 kg)
Powerplant: 2 × Wright R-1820-82WA 9-cylinder air-cooled radial piston engines, 1,525 hp (1,137 kW) each
Performance
Maximum speed: 243 kn (280 mph, 450 km/h) at sea level
Cruise speed: 130 kn (150 mph, 240 km/h)
Range: 1,173 nmi (1,350 mi, 2,172 km)
Endurance: 9 hours endurance
Service ceiling: 22,000 ft (6,700 m)
Armament
4,800 lb (2,200 kg) of payload could be carried in the internal bomb bay and on 6× under-wing hard points
Torpedoes: Mk. 41, Mk. 43, Mk. 34, Mk. 44, or Mk. 46
Depth charges: Mk. 54 or naval mines.
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