S-2 Tracker

S-2 Tracker. BuNo. 151657. , Beginning in the 1950s, many Essex-class carriers like Yorktown,were designated anti-submarine aircraft carriers (CVS) to challenge the growing Soviet submarine threat. The S-2 Tracker was the prominent ASW (Anti-Submarine Warfare) weapon aboard these ships into the 1970s. Trackers were equipped with improved detection electronics and a 70 million candlepower searchlight. Armed with a combination of torpedoes, rockets, mines, and depth charges, the Tracker also had offensive capability. By 1976, all of the Essex-class CVSs were retired. ASW squadrons were deployed (with attack and fighter squadrons) aboard the larger Forrestal and Nimitz class aircraft carriers. The new S-3 Viking replaced the Tracker at this time., Manufacturer : Grumman , Type: carrier-based ASW aircraft , Crew : two pilot , two radar operators , Powerplant: two 1,525 hp Wright R-1820-82 radial engines , Wingspan: 72 ft 7 in (22.12 m) , Length: 43 ft 6 in (13.26 m) , Height: 16 ft 7.5 in (5 m) , Weight: 19,033 lbs (8,633 kg) empty; 26,867 lbs (12,187.5 kg) maximum , Armament:fuselage weapons-bay for one depth bomb, torpedoes, mines, rockets, or Bullpup air-to-surface missile; 4,810 lbs (2,182 kg) maximum ordnance , Maximum speed: 253 mph (407 km/h) , Combat radius: 400 miles (643 kilometers) , Service ceiling: 22,000 ft (6,705.5 m), This aircraft on loan from the National Museum of Naval Aviation at Pensacola, Florida