Grumman S-2 Tracker

The Grumman S‑2 Tracker was the United States Navy’s first purpose‑built carrier‑based anti‑submarine warfare (ASW) aircraft, entering service in 1952 and remaining operational for more than three decades. Developed from the earlier Grumman AF Gladiator and XF8F‑2 prototypes, the Tracker combined a twin‑engine, low‑wing monoplane layout with a retractable landing gear suitable for the cramped decks of aircraft carriers. Powered by two Pratt & Whitney R‑2800 radial engines, it delivered 2 000 hp each, granting a top speed of 280 knots and a range exceeding 1 200 nautical miles—critical for long patrols over the Atlantic and Pacific. Its distinctive feature was the integrated suite of ASW sensors: a magnetic anomaly detector in the tail boom, sonobuoys, radar, and a retractable radar dish, plus internal weapon bays for depth charges, torpedoes and later nuclear depth bombs. The open cockpit of early models gave way to a fully enclosed, pressurized cabin in the S‑2E/A variants, improving crew endurance. Over 1 200 units were built, serving not only the US Navy but also the US Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and allied navies. The Tracker’s combination of rugged design, versatile sensor package, and carrier compatibility set a standard for maritime patrol aircraft.

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