YAO-1 Mohawk

The Grumman YAO‑1 Mohawk was a twin‑engine, high‑wing transport aircraft developed in the early 1950s to fulfill the U.S. Navy’s demand for a versatile medium‑range cargo and personnel carrier. Originating from Grumman’s post‑war research on all‑metal monocoque structures, the Mohawk first flew on 12 March 1953 from the company’s Bethpage plant. Powered by two Pratt & Whitney R‑2800 radial engines, the aircraft delivered 3,250 shaft‑horsepower, enabling a maximum speed of 285 knots and a payload of 8,000 lb. Its distinctive features included a retractable tricycle landing gear, a rear cargo ramp with a built‑in winch, and a pressurised cabin that accommodated up to 24 troops or six stretchers for medevac missions. Advanced avionics for the era, such as VHF navigation and a basic autopilot, gave it reliable all‑weather capability. Though only 42 units were built before production was halted in 1958 in favor of the more powerful Grumman Gulfstream, the YAO‑1 Mohawk demonstrated the feasibility of a rugged, carrier‑compatible transport. The aircraft’s design principles later influenced the development of the C‑2 Greyhound, cementing its place as a transitional milestone in naval aviation logistics.

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