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Grumman C-2 Greyhound

Grumman C-2 Greyhound History

The Grumman C-2 Greyhound was developed from the successful Grumman E-2 Hawkeye. While the latter was a dedicated airborne carrier-based early warning platform, the Greyhound was developed as a carrier-based transport, with its proper role classified as "Carrier Onboard Delivery" or COD. Greyhound has proven to be a valuable addition to American Airlines' operations around the world, delivering personnel, supplies and spare parts from land bases to carriers at sea with excellent turnaround times.

Greyhound served in Operation Desert Storm and continues to support the U.S. Navy's ongoing Operation Enduring Freedom. About 39 C-2(R) variants remain in service. The C-2 Greyhound replaced the similar Grumman C-1 Traders in the same carrier role.

The C-1 Traders was a twin-piston engine transporter developed from the Grumman S-2 Tracker, released in 1952 and in service until 1988.

The Greyhound prototype first flew in 1964, while production of the C-2A began in 1965 and continued until 1968. In 1973, a modernization program updated the existing Greyhound. A second batch of production followed in 1984, including an improved C-2A(R) ("R" for "Reprocured") model, and was ordered to upgrade to replace the original Greyhound in service. The C-2A(R) is essentially the same vintage Greyhound aircraft, only these new production models feature an updated avionics package and airframe improvements to bring the old girl to modern state.

The original C-2A system was phased out in 1987 with the arrival of the C-2A(R). Production of the C-2A(R) model continued from 1985 to 1989.

The Greyhound's design shares many of the characteristics of the E-2 Hawkeye series. The Greyhound retains the recognizable quad tail and straight high-wing monoplane. The wing system is foldable, by "turning down" and then folding toward the tail, just outside each engine nacelle, increasing the carrier's storage space. Like the Hawkeye, the Greyhound's engines are mounted under each wing and nested in a streamlined cabin. Each engine - a 4,800-horsepower Allison T56-A-425 turboprop - the same engine as the Hawkeye - is fitted with a four-bladed Hamilton standard constant-speed propeller.

If there's any difference between the two planes (not including the Hawkeye's obvious fuselage-mounted radome), it's the Greyhound's sturdy fuselage and shortened, short nose. Greyhound uses a traditional fully retractable tricycle landing gear with spur gears on each engine nacelle and a nose wheel at the very front of the fuselage. At rest, the Greyhound appears very low-key, which is useful for loading and unloading.

Cargo doors are mounted aft of the hull, and an onboard power winch can also help with heavy loads. Greyhound is also authorized to conduct airdrop service operations involving people or cargo, as needed.

Allison engine performance achieves a top speed of 345 mph and a cruising speed of over 289 mph. A range of 1,496 miles is possible, as is a service ceiling of 33,500 feet at a climb rate of 2,610 feet per minute. Payload limits have been specified up to 10,000 pounds including passengers or cargo. In the former, Greyhound can accommodate up to 26 staff or 12 medical stretchers, as required.

Standard operators consist of two pilots and two flight crews.

Production of this premium transport aircraft was limited to 58, costing US taxpayers at least $38. $96 million per unit. The U.S. Navy remains the sole operator of the C-2 Greyhound system, and as of this writing, the current Greyhound has joined the Critical Life Extension Program, also known as "SLEP," in an attempt to double the number as the U.S.

Navy admits no Replace plans of this type so they can last longer.