HOME      Grumman S-2 Tracker

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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NOTE: RADIO CONTROL AIRPLANES ARE ON THE BOTTOM HALF OF THE PAGE.
 
Grumman S-2 Tracker aircraft served the United States Navy with honor conducting anti submarine warfare from 1954 through 1976. Now the Grumman S-2 Tracker serves with the California Dept. of Forestry in its new role.
 
Grumman S-2 Tracker began being evaluated by the California Dept. of Forestry 1970 for duty as an air tanker. At the time the Grumman S-2 Tracker was still deployed with the U.S. Navy.
 
A total of four Grumman S-2 Tracker aircraft were evaluated by the CDF. They were found to meet or exceed all expectations and two Grumman S-2 Tracker prototype air tankers were placed in service in 1973.
 
The CDF entered into contracts with four California companies in 1974 to convert 12 more Grumman S-2 Tracker aircraft into air tankers. These Grumman S-2 Tracker aircraft entered service in that same year, with an additional five aircraft entering service in 1975.
 
Through the years the CDF has purchased 55 Grumman S-2 Tracker aircraft and 60 replacement engines from the Navy under three agreements.
 
In 1987 the CDF contracted with Marsh Aviation, Mesa, AZ to produce a Grumman S-2 Tracker air tanker for evaluation. By 1996, after a thorough evaluation, the CDF ordered an additional 26 E and G series aircraft. The Grumman S-2 Tracker E and G series aircraft are larger and carry 400 gals. more retardant than the older S-2s.
 
Throughout 2002 a total of 13 Grumman S-2 Tracker aircraft were deployed.  In 2004 and 2005 a total of ten additional Grumman S-2 Tracker aircraft were added to the fleet. These have replaced the original Grumman S-2 Tracker aircraft.
 
 

S-2G Specifications

    Primary Function:
    Crew:  
    Engines:
    Power:
    Length:
    Wingspan:  
    Weight Empty:
    Max. Weight:
    Retardant:
    Cruise Speed:
    Max. Speed:
    Ceiling:
    Range:
    Year Deployed:
air tanker
one
Wright 1820
2 x 1,515 hp ea.
43' 6"
72' 7"
13,700 lbs.
29,150 lbs.
1,200 gallons
150 mph
245 mph.
18,000 feet
1,350 miles
1996
 
Radio Control Airplane

Grumman S-2 Tracker RC Airplane.
 
Radio Control Airplanes:
 
 
Pictured above is the Grumman S-2 Tracker RC Airplane by master builder Carl Bachhuber.  The radio control airplane has a wing span of 165". 
 
Carl powers his Grumman S-2 Tracker RC Airplane with a pair of G-62 engines.  The radio control airplane features retractable landing gear, scale operational flaps, slotted spoilers, plus a working tail skid.  
 
In the picture below you will see Carl's Grumman S-2 Tracker RC Airplane with its wings folded.  Carl removed the feature when he found the operating mechanism needed a great dale of maintenance on his radio control airplane.  A benefit of the removal is that his RC Airplane now weighs about 62 oz. less.  
 
We have seen a foam Grumman S-2 Tracker radio control airplane sold at toy stores. The RC Airplane is typical of most cheep toys.  The wing span of the RC Airplane is 36" and steering is done by differential power to the motors.  Increasing height of the radio control airplane is by climbing at full power and lowering altitude is with with less power.  The RC Airplane has no elevator controls. 
 
Do you have a favorite Grumman S-2 Tracker radio control airplane? Do you know of any additional Grumman S-2 Tracker RC Airplane ARF's, plans or kits? If you do, kindly email us.
 
Radio Control Airplane
Carl Bachhuber and his RC Airplane.
 
Radio Control Airplane

Side view of S-2 Tracker RC Airplane.

Radio Control Airplane
RC Airplane taking off.