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 : Gruman

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 missle; 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

Marker can be reached from Patriot Point Road.

Courtesy hmdb.org

Credits and Sources: