Grumman C-1 Trader

Πρότυπο:Infobox Aircraft The C-1 Trader was a carrier-onboard-delivery (COD) variant of the S-2 Tracker. It was replaced by a similar version of the E-2 Hawkeye, the C-2 Greyhound.

Design and development

The C-1 Trader grew out of a need by the US Navy for a new anti submarine airplane. In response to this Grumman started development on a prototype twin-engine, high-wing aircraft which it designated the G-89.

Operational history

In 1952 the US Navy typed this aircraft the XS2F-1 and flew it for the first time on December 4th of that year. During the rest of the 1950's 3 major variants emerged, the C-1 Trader being one of them. The C-1 (originally the TF-1) was outfitted to carry nine passengers or 3500 pounds of cargo and first flew in January 1955. Through out the 1960's and 1970's the C-1 Trader carried mail and supplies to aircraft carriers on station in the Pacific Ocean during the Vietnam War and also served as a trainer for all weather carrier operations. Over its production life 83 C-1 Traders were built plus four EC-1A Tracers which were converted into electronic countermeasure aircraft. The last C-1 was retired from US Navy service in 1988 though approximately ten are still operated as vintage war birds.

Variants

TF-1: Carrier Onboard Delivery version of the S2F Tracker with enlarged fuselage for 9 passengers, redesignated C-1A in 1962, 87 built.
TF-1Q: Electronic Countermeasures conversion of the TF-1, redesignated EC-1A in 1962, four conversions.
TF-1W: Airborne Early Warning project that was developed in the WF-2 Tracer.
C-1A: TF-1 redesignated in 1962.
EC-1A: TF-1Q redesignated in 1962.